Our story
Health problems are extremely prevalent throughout Manamoc—particularly in children.
Charities such as Andres Soriano Foundation (ASF) and Amanpulo (Villa for a Cause) have done excellent work helping the people, in particular the children of Manamoc, and other neighbouring islands. However, a lack of basic healthcare and hygiene is a big issue for many people on Manamoc. The children on the island are most affected as they are more vulnerable to the effects of the diseases that often result from this. As a result, numerous illnesses may often be seen among the children – causing pain and leading to other problems with eating, nutrition, dehydration, tooth decay and tooth loss. This also affects their attendance and performance in school. I have always believed that all children deserve an education, with healthcare being at the utmost importance. So, I wanted to do something for all of the children in the primary school. Through having access to basic healthcare, I believe that the children can flourish and succeed throughout the rest of their lives - following a better education.
Health, and hygiene problems have long existed upon Manamoc, impacting all, however, impacting children most gravely.
Problems faced by the children of Manamoc:
- – Skin infections caused by a lack of personal cleanliness.
- – Infections from viruses, bacteria and parasites when not practicing regular handwashing that can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition and other serious medical conditions.
- – Poor dental health leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Many children on Manamoc have lost their teeth as a result of not brushing them.
All of the above cause pain and lead to other problems with eating, nutrition, speaking, playing, and performance/learning in school.
Stepping out from COVID-19
These health problems were exemplified during COVID-19, when the entire country shut down, preventing medical help from Manila. When Manamoc's elementary school was shut for 450 consecutive days, there was no remote learning infrastructure – clearly causing even more problems for the children's education.
In the summer of 2023, I began raising money for the project. I did so by completing several runs, amounting to 50km. I raised £5000 which in turn was used to provide medical kits. The kits included:
- – A kitbag
- – A toothbrush
- – Toothpaste
- – 2 sets of face and hand towels
- – Soap and other items.
Results
The funds raised also funded replenishments for one school year and also funded a healthcare worker and materials to teach the children in the school how to properly wash their hands, brush their teeth and the importance of having proper basic hygiene.
By December, when I travelled to the island, all of the children had received their kit and had been taught the importance of having proper basic hygiene, and how to best wash their hands. I met with children of all different ages and saw how much they had already learnt about the importance of hygiene.