Next, we will try to solve your other problem: how to break out.

Some kids in Smokey are incredibly bright. All deserve a better future. But they need to make it out of Smokey as soon as possible.

We’ll create a fund to finance 5 to 10 students every year. The scholarship will cover: tuition, uniforms, books, meals, medical insurance, municipal registration and issuing cost of legal documents, and a weekly food allowance for the family.

The Canossian fathers are also looking for land in Tondo to build an after-school shelter for kids to study and play, instead of working in the dumpsite.

Missing the chance of helping Smokey’s kids break away from this vicious circle would be like tossing extra waste in the pile of scrap metal and plastic.

Except they can’t be recycled.