Kenneth (centre) with the mother of Jenneth Zenaida Ewayan (right) and Virgie Vidad (left) in the Philippines. - Photo: Virgie Vidad
I started visiting the families of tricycle drivers in Ozamiz City, the Philippines, together with a Columban Missionary, Fr Oliver McCrossan, in 2005. Tricycle drivers are one of the most vulnerable sectors in society, given least opportunity and access to government programs and services. Through a series of home visitations and consultations, we found out that most of them were renting their tricycle units and houses. Thus, the Pedalling to Live project started as a way of providing a rent-to-own program for tricycles and houses. The scheme was designed to give every beneficiary a sense of responsibility and ownership.
I met the family of Kenneth (Kenken) Ewayan, son of a Pedalling Program beneficiary, who lives in the coastal area of Annex, Ozamiz City. Kenneth’s father is a tricycle driver, and his mother works on a Pedalling Eco-farm as a cleaner. Kenneth was just three years old when they joined the Pedalling Program. He has four sisters and is the second child in the family. From grade 1 to high school, he received school supplies from Pedalling. Kenneth helps his family every weekend and even helps his mother on the farm, where in addition to cleaning, she also plants vegetables during her free time.
I got a chance to talk to this young man, and we had a very serious sharing about his life and his dreams, not only for himself but for his family. He shared with me that his life is not easy, especially as his father’s income is not fixed. There are times when it is not enough to cover the family’s daily needs. Sometimes they just buy rice, and if they get fish and vegetables, they share it among themselves. There are times when they don’t have food, but if they have vinegar and ginger with salt, they use it as their food. His mother did not finish school because, aged 15, she had to work as a house helper. Kenneth has witnessed his parents’ struggle from a very young age, but it does not stop him from dreaming about finishing college and getting a better job.
Fr Oliver McCrossan (centre) with the mother of Jenneth Zenaida Ewayan (left) and Virgie Vidad (right) in the Philippines. - Photo: Virgie Vidad
He is now in his first year in college, taking a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Misamis University. But his mother finds it very hard to sustain his study because the tuition fees are high. She has sought government help but was refused, and I have seen her cry about this. They can’t even afford to buy rulers, mechanical pencils, and other engineering requirements for Kenneth, so he borrows from his classmates when he can. He never gets snacks at school, while others do, because he does not have extra money. I have seen how frustrated Kenneth is, but he tells me he really wants to finish, so I have tried to help his family by lending them some money. I can feel and see his determination to finish.
I am writing this story of Kenneth for a reason. First, his life story is very inspiring - I can see in his face the eagerness to continue his studies. I am also hoping that there might be other people who would like to share their blessings with this young man. Our help can change the life of Kenneth and give him the chance to reach his life’s dream of a good job and a brighter future for his family.
Virgie Vidad is the Pedalling to Live Project Coordinator, Philippines.
Listen to "Kenneth Ewayan’s hopes and dreams"
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