When Manuel was 14 he got into the wrong company. He started to gamble, drink alcohol, and take illegal drugs, and when he ran out of money he and his friends stole electrical wires from houses and substations. He was caught and charged several times for fighting on the streets and in school. As a result he had to leave school.
But he realized his wrongdoing and wanted to finish his studies. When he heard about out Alternative Learning System (ALS) programme, he joyfully enrolled. This ALS, developed by the Philippines Ministry of Education, enables children who cannot attend regular school to study on their own and at their own pace. Goducate offers ALS tutorials.
Manuel, now aged 21, has taken the final ALS high-school exam, which will qualify him to enter college. He will know the results in February.
His interest in music and his musical skills may influence his as yet undetermined future plans. He plays the keyboard for the Goducate orchestra and teaches in our music program.