INSPIRING: Homeless girl studies under Manila rain

Screenshot via Rolando Baltazar Villanueva’s Facebook page.
Screenshot via Rolando Baltazar Villanueva’s Facebook page.

Whenever you find yourself complaining about school work, remember this girl’s diligence.

Over the weekend, Facebook user Rolando Villanueva posted a video of a girl studying under Manila’s heavy rain, which now has more than 3,000 reactions and close to 38,000 shares.

Villanueva wrote in Filipino: “I hope all children are as hardworking as you when it comes to studying… To other students out there, don’t waste what you have.”

Villanueva told Coconuts Manila through a Facebook message that he took the video of the 8-year-old girl last Thursday afternoon outside the Alpha Grandview Condominium in Malate, Manila.

In the video, the student can be seen struggling to look for shelter as she continuously tried to stay dry under what seems to be a blanket, just to read her book. With her were her mother (seen sleeping on the video) and younger sister, Villanueva shared.

He added that the girl is a Grade 3 second honor student at the Aurora Quezon Elementary School in Manila.

“They have no home, and their father is sick, but he’s still working hard to support his family through the means of being a sidecar bicycle driver,” Villanueva said in Filipino.

“I was inspired by the child and while I looked at her studying, I told myself that no matter what, this child will be successful because of her determination to get an education,” he added.

Villanueva also shared that he took the video to inspire his own children as well.

“I took the video to show my children, who are almost the same age, to get inspired and to continue studying,” he told Coconuts Manila.

Facebook users were quick to share their sentiments:

MhaiMhai Palao Parot asked where the video was taken, presumably to help the child: “Poor kid, where is this place?”

Joey Pesigan wrote in Filipino: “This child is so hardworking, hope the government can help her.”

Princess Monsalud commended the girl for her effort: “You are so hardworking, baby girl. You will get somewhere in life with your diligence in studying, even with the difficulties you have in life. You can do it, just continue what you’re doing and your dreams will come true. A lot of people want to help you improve your life, especially for your studies. God bless you baby girl, God won’t leave you.”

Eljhonathan Eljhomeneses added to the conversation, saying: “Your life won’t be like that forever, kid. May life bless you one day. Helped or not, may you have the effort to stay strong in life. God bless.”



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