Disciples from Adversity
How the Scholars of Lao Foundation are contributing to the enrichment of their community
Unlike most students their age, Leo and Isaiah have already mapped a vision of the future in their heads.
Leo Samarita knew at a very young age that he was destined to become a breadwinner. The eldest son of a sari-sari store owner and a canvasser, Leo has taken to delivering fresh vegetables to the market at the crack of dawn, peddling balut until the late hours of the evening, all while attending classes in the hours between. His weekends are a routine of odd jobs and errands to make ends meet. Leo’s empty hours on the weekends are spent writing homework and studying for exams, and he keeps only a couple of hours for sleep before rising to another day of back-breaking work and rigorous study.