Every year, since its charter in 1993 by the United Nations (UN), October 17 is celebrated as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and is also commonly referred to as World Poverty Day. It aims to bring about awareness to eradicate poverty around the world, particularly in developing countries. The theme for 2019 designed by the UN is “Acting together to empower children, their families and communities to end poverty”.
This year, World Poverty Day marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at Commemorative Stone in Rizal Park. Each year, the All Together in Dignity Fourth World Philippines highlights testimonies of overcoming poverty. Jeanneth Odon, (40), a mother-beneficiary of Virlanie was given a chance to share her story during this eventful day
Jeanneth’s journey in overcoming poverty
It was 2016 when Jeanneth enrolled in Virlanie’s livelihood training. At that time, she and her family had nothing—no food to eat and only water fills their stomach. A mother of three, she depended on her husband who didn’t have a regular job.
The Community Pillar of Virlanie organizes training projects for mothers of poor communities including Bagong Silangan, where Jeanneth lives. Jeanneth joined the project. Through the training, she learned how to bake.
“With the opportunity that Virlanie has given to me, now I can produce my own birthday cake, and earn money. I even know how to budget my income for our daily expenses, thank you so much Virlanie,” Jeanneth shared.
Equipped with her newly learned skills in making various breads and pastries, she availed of the microloan assistance provided by Community Pillar training project, which she used to buy her own oven to make baked products at home. Her business easily bloomed.. Last year, she earned more than PHP 2,000 daily by selling her baked goods.
