Filipino Boy Studying Outside McDonald's Gets Scholarship
A homeless Filipino boy who was pictured doing his homework using the faint light emanating from a McDonald's outlet, has now been inundated with several offers of help.
The photo of 9 year old Daniel Cabrera diligently doing his homework on a little bench by the pavement went viral on social media.
People who saw the image rushed to provide aid to Cabrera who one day dreams of becoming a police officer. The child has received money, school supplies and even a college scholarship from well-wishers.
Overwhelmed by the donations, Cabrera's forty two year mother Christina Espinosa who works as a grocery store employee told AFP, "We're overjoyed. I don't know what I will do with all of these blessings."
"Now, Daniel will not have to suffer just to finish his studies."
The photo was uploaded on Facebook with the caption "I got inspired by a kid" by college student Joyce Torrefranca who saw little Cabrera sitting outside the restaurant window.
Espinosa makes 80 pesos ($1.77) a day working as a help at a store and augments her income by selling candy and cigarettes on the streets.
Her husband died in 2013 after suffering from severe diarrhoea. Espinosa also has three older children who are all married and living separately.
She spoke about her child being fully focussed on getting his education.
"He is a very studious and determined boy... He would insist on going to school even without his lunch money because I have no money to give," Espinosa said.
"He always tells me: 'Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams'."
Even though Philippines has been experiencing strong economic growth in recent years, a quarter the country's 100 million population lives on less than $1 a day.
