Our Impact and Graduates

The ripple effect of education

World Villages for Children has a close relationship with the local communities in each of the countries where it operates. Our programs focus on the objectives of reducing child poverty, improving health, educational attainment and progress into employment and our work facilitates grass roots change in poverty levels within the local communities. Case study examples from our graduates demonstrates the impact of your donation when the enhanced employment and earning prospects of our children results directly in their ability to care for their families.

Jonalyn Coraza

Girlstown Talisay, Class of 2007

I’m originally from Davao City, Philippines, where I was born and grew up. When I was young, I used to attend a Sunday school beside our parish church. One day, they announced that for those who were willing to study high school in Cebu City, there would be an entrance exam and interview with the Sisters of Mary on a scheduled date. I was more than willing to study in a school where my parents would no longer worry about my high school expenses for four whole years. My father was a baker, and my mother was working in a cooperative store where she earned below minimum wage. I only had one sibling, my brother, who is a year younger than me. Though we were only two children in the family, we still lived a very simple life since my parents couldn’t afford to gift us with expensive things.

The Sisters of Mary taught me how to love God in my own special way. During my time there, I was molded to become a good Catholic, how to pray with devotion, to pray fervently the rosary daily, attend Holy Mass and accept all trials and hardships in life lovingly and offer up everything to God’s big hands. I learned to be positive amidst those storms that came into my life. I held tightly to my faith in God. I learned to surrender everything to him no matter how painful it was. My life has truly changed 180 degrees. I’ve been more positive in life. I’ve learned to become more diligent and conscientious and at the same time to remain simple. I’ve learned to value more what is most important to me rather than those material things that are only temporary and couldn’t give me enough satisfaction at the end of the day.

I’m living in Davao and working as a loan processor/teller in a financing company. I studied this course for four years in college. Now, I have enough time for my family, my mother and brother. They’re the only two who remain. My father passed away during my 4th year of high school due to a heart attack, which left me a huge blow. Then, my husband of only six months was diagnosed with kidney failure and passed away after one and a half months. I was left with no kids. I’ve become a widow at the age of 28. I’ve been devastated, grief-stricken and broken, yet I strongly held my faith and trust to God.

If God allows, I hope to have a whole and complete family of my own. I want to have kids. I hope to give my family, my mother and brother, the best life they can have in their lifetime. The most important thing for me is my family, and there is no greater gift than to be with them and let them feel how special and important they are to me. We’ve been there for each other through our ups and downs, and I’m truly grateful to God for giving me this kind of family. They are indeed my treasure, and I couldn’t ask for more.

Sherlyn Comia

Girlstown Manilla (now Biga), Class of 1999

I come from a very poor farming family outside of Manilla in the Philippines. I lost my mom when I was 12 years old, lost my dad when I was 13. The Sisters of Mary took me in. They didn’t just transform my life; they were my life. They provided me with everything necessary to live a life with dignity! After 4 years of being raised and educated by the Sisters of Mary, I was able to attend a very good local university on a full scholarship. I studied information technology and was offered a good paying job, but I made a promise to myself that once I graduated, I would serve the Sisters in return for all they’ve done for me.

I’ve been working with the Sisters for the past fifteen years. What drives me every day is the thought that I am a part of something bigger than myself, and that is so fulfilling!

Patricia Rodriguez Sanchez

Girlstown Chalco

As a small girl, Patricia slept uncomfortably in a bed with her siblings each night. Food was often scarce. Everything changed when she was brought to the Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico. “I discovered a new world. We had very big spaces. I tasted different dishes I didn’t know existed. I played games I didn’t know. I learned English. And I had all the time to study without having to take care of my brother and sisters. I knew there was something there that could help change my life and even more my family’s life.” After graduating from Chalco, one of Patricia’s first gestures of love as an industrial engineer was re-engineering and adding on to her parent’s small home. Her help for others hasn’t stopped with her family. Now she is creating small versions of those same miracles for others in need due to her professional success.

I can help people who need it; support people in some of their big problems. I know that I have a long way to go, a lot of things to do, and I am working on them,” she said. “I also know that I should help them not just economically, but spiritually, as well. I thank God for letting me be part of the unfinished symphony of Father Al. If I hadn’t lived at Girlstown, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

A Graduate's Success Story

Our graduates are the result of our relentless dedication to the poorest of the poor, and our commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty. To date, about 150,000 graduates have received an education through the Sisters of Mary, and thanks to the support of our generous benefactors.

Josephine's Story

A graduate from the Philippines creates her own video to share her story of how education through The Sisters of Mary has transformed her life.