Education Under the Tree: Empowering Communities Through Education

In the bustling city called the ‘City of Love,’ where the hustle and bustle of everyday life often drown out the voices of the marginalized, there is one person whose relentless dedication to education is turning the tide for underprivileged communities. Meet Agustin Nuñez Arceña, the visionary and compassionate leader behind the Education Under the Tree Foundation.

AGUSTIN NUÑEZ ARCEÑA
Education Under The Tree Foundation - Founder

Education Under the Tree is a unique nonprofit organization seeking to bridge the educational gap in underserved communities, providing quality education for children who might otherwise be left behind. Its grassroots approach to tackling academic challenges, fostering community involvement, and nurturing a love for learning sets this foundation apart.

Arceña grew up in a modest household and vividly remembers his family's struggles accessing quality education. Her mother was a farmer, and his father worked as a baker but left them behind as her mom worked on other farms to let her children continue their education. However, this experience instilled in him a deep belief in the transformative power of education, which eventually became the driving force behind his philanthropic journey.

The foundation's journey began when Mr. Arceña, then a successful educator, dedicated his resources and time to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those less fortunate. Inspired by the sight of children sitting under trees, trying to learn with limited resources, he saw an opportunity to create a positive change.

2012 Education Under the Tree Foundation was born with a small team of dedicated volunteers who shared Mr. Arceña's vision. The foundation started by conducting informal educational sessions under the shade of trees in marginalized neighborhoods. These sessions aimed to teach basic literacy and numeracy skills, providing children with a strong foundation for their academic journey.

However, as the foundation's impact grew, so did its scope and ambition. Recognizing the importance of sustained and comprehensive education, Mr. Arceña and his team expanded their programs to include after-school tutoring, vocational training for older youths, and capacity-building workshops for teachers and community members.

One of the key features of Education Under the Tree is its emphasis on community involvement. The foundation actively engages local parents, teachers, and community leaders, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their children's education. By involving the community in decision-making processes and ensuring that their needs are met, the foundation provides the sustainability and relevance of its programs.

Through Education Under the Tree, Mr. Arceña has touched the lives of thousands of children across the Philippines. Today, the foundation operates in multiple regions, and its impact continues to grow yearly. Many students who received support from the foundation have gone on to pursue higher education and secure better opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty in their families.

Despite the challenges of managing a growing nonprofit organization, Mr. Arceña remains deeply involved in the foundation's day-to-day operations. He often visits the communities the foundation serves, spending time with the children and witnessing firsthand the fruits of their efforts.

His compassion, dedication, and hands-on approach have inspired the Education Under the Tree team and countless volunteers and donors who have joined the cause. The foundation's success is a testament to the fact that a single individual with a vision and determination can bring about transformative change in society.

As Education Under the Tree continues expanding its reach and impact, Mr. Agustin Arceña remains committed to empowering communities through education. His story inspires others who wish to make a positive difference in the world and proves that even the simplest ideas can lead to profound and lasting change.

In a world where education remains a powerful tool for breaking barriers, Mr. Arceña and his Education Under the Tree Foundation serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Video Interview:

This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo’s “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3”.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. “UNMASKED” aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The “Write to Ignite” Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with Airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.