Inspiring story of a homeless nine-year-old Filipino boy who does his homework on the streets

Young boy lives in shed and does anything to make sure he succeeds.

Nine-year-old Daniel Cabrera has inspired people around the world with one heart-warming photo. In the viral photo, the child is shown doing his school work on the street, using an improvised bench as his study desk and a dim light from a McDonald's restaurant.

 

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - As people began to learn the details of young Daniel's life, the little hero's determination to pull himself and his family out of poverty in the Philippines has left a significant mark in the hearts of many.

Daniel is homeless and lives in a shed behind a food stall where his mother works. Their home was burned down in a fire five years ago in Cebu City. In their little shack, there are no proper walls or electricity.

His mother, Christina Espinoza, works vigorously to provide for her family. Daniel's father died of severe diarrhea while in prison three years ago.

Christina earns little money as a street vendor. For extra income, the mother washes other people's laundry. She told reporters that she is very proud of Daniel. "He always tells me, 'Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams.'"

Every morning, the aspiring young boy has to walk a kilometer to get to school. The bullies have stolen one of his only two pencils, so now Daniel keeps a set of rosary beads in his bag, hoping to ward off mean kids and prevent them from taking his only remaining pencil.

Daniel's life changed when Joyce Torrefranca, a medical technology student spotted him studying. She took photos on her phone and posted the images to her social media accounts. The photo was quickly shared around the world and has gained mass media attention.

Giomen Probert Ladra Alayon also saw Daniel studying in the street and decided to have a little conversation with him. Afterwards, Giomen wrote, "His example leaves us to ask ourselves, 'If this kid can do it, why can't we? Why do we need to go to coffee shops, study centers, etc. to pay much if studying only requires study materials and your own will power?'"

A fundraising page is set up and was able to raise adequate money to fund Daniel's education through college. The funds will also be used to provide Daniel with more books and a study lamp. Some of the money will be used to help other children who are in the same situation as Daniel.

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