This is a two-week intensive program designed to help students improve their practical English skills while learning about poverty issues in Cebu through an art-based project. Participants will visit slum areas in Cebu and conduct interviews with local residents. Working collaboratively with classmates, students will explore the life of one resident—from childhood to present, including daily struggles and future dreams—and compile their story into a single storybook.
Visiting these communities in person offers a powerful learning experience. Despite the hardships of poverty, you’ll meet people who live with resilience and smiles. This program invites you to reflect on the true meaning of happiness and what truly matters in life. Through creating a storybook, you’ll not only gain insight into the realities of poverty but also connect with the values and inner strength of the Filipino people.
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Key Points
This project aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of poverty in the Philippines through the creation of a storybook. While the main goal is for participants to grow in understanding, we also hope that sharing the storybook within the MeRISE community will help inform and inspire a broader audience.
Storybook image①
Storybook image②
Start Dates (2025): July 21, August 18, September 1, September 15, September 29, October 13, October 27, November 10, November 24, December 8
Start Dates (2026): January 5, January 19, February 2, February 16, March 2, March 16, April 6, April 20
Duration: 2 weeks
Lessons: Two 50-minute group lessons per day (consecutive)
This program brings together students of all levels into one class. We provide level-appropriate materials and instruction methods to ensure everyone can participate with confidence.