Tomy Teves is the third Stairway Scholar accepted into the highly sought after Propeller Club of Manila, a non-profit organization dedicated to the alleviation of poverty by offering scholarships to youths from underprivileged families, providing them skills and training for employment in the maritime industry.
Stairway’s dining area is filled with young men, cheering and laughing after an adventurous day. They are all within the Propeller Club of Manila’s scholarship program and are here to enjoy some days of sailing, hosted by Puerto Galera’s Yacht Club. One of them, sitting at the end of his table, is more familiar to Stairway though. Not so long ago, he was selling balut along White Beach and the near by areas, to be able to stay in school.
Tomy Teves comes from a broken family and was growing up together with his fifteen-year-older brother, struggling to stay in school. His mother and father had left, his four sisters scattered in the neighborhood and the little income he had from his venues was invested in tuition fees and notebooks. Tomy’s brother came to know about Stairway’s Scholarship Program and recommended him to apply. He was accepted and was suddenly provided with all he needed to continue school including a small allowance. He was sixteen years old then and is now very thankful for the opportunity that was given. He looks down, embarrassed; by the question of why he thinks he was chosen for the program. After a pause he lifts his head and replies clearly – “Maybe they saw my perseverance to achieve my goals, my determination and potential.”
Since 1994, local students have benefited from Stairway’s Scholarship Program. Each year, during the summer, candidates are screened through a process of home visits, personal interviews, and a family income assessment. The applicants that show a high level of financial need and an interest in continuing their education are selected every year for the program. The scholarships are categorized into two levels: scholars that receive basic school supplies and daily transportation, and scholars that require extra assistance, which includes a daily stipend and tuition fees. In addition to providing financial assistance, SFI aims to train scholars in valuable life skills in the hopes of empowering these young leaders. Students attend workshops in Adolescent Reproductive Health, Online Safety Orientation and Children’s Rights. Parents and family members also attend a session on Child Sex Trafficking and Child Protection, with the goal of raising the community’s awareness about child exploitation, thereby preventing future child abuse and sex trafficking incidents in the local area.
Tomy already had plans, hopes and dreams for his future but as a member of the program he also had the ability to join meetings at Stairway, helping him to stay focused and mentoring him. He was able to finish high school and one of Stairway’s staff suggested that he should apply for the Propeller Club’s scholarship program as well. He did and was working in a resort when he was called for a medical exam in Manila. He did not have the money to go but Stairway provided his travel costs and accommodation and he was on his way.
The Propeller Club of Manila is a non-profit organization dedicated to the alleviation of poverty in the Philippines by offering scholarships to youths from underprivileged families, providing skills and training for employment in the maritime industry. The scholarship program was started in the early 1990’s with a total of 326 students graduated, almost all of them employed by shipping companies whose executives are members of the Club. Tomy was finally accepted and is now trained to become a ship mechanic machinist. He will graduate next year.
Tomy’s brother and sisters are very proud of him and he has already ideas for the future. After getting a good job within the maritime industry he plan to start a small welding shop for his siblings to run. He really wants to do something for them and share his success. He thinks the same way about Stairway and dreams about being able to donate so others can follow and get the support he had. Has.
Tomy laughs with his friends at the table, he knows that he has a great responsibility and he is doing his best to fulfill all expectations, but for now he can just enjoy. There will be a blue sky and wind in his sails, tomorrow.