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Joyce Gilos Torrefranca, a medical technology student, took photos of a nine-year-old Filipino boy who was using the light from a McDonald’s restaurant to study on the street. Inspired by this young boy, she posted the pictures on the Internet. She never could have imagined the impact her photos on the young boy’s life.
Inspired by His Drive
Torrefranca’s touching post reached ABS-CBN News. The news outlet tracked the boy down and learned that his name was Daniel Cabrera, and that he was nine years old. His family’s house was destroyed in a fire five years ago so now, they are living behind the food stall where his mother and sibling work. His mother only makes 80 pesos a day, which is equivalent to about 1.77 U.S. dollars. Living on such a low income means that Daniel often goes to school without food. But hardship does not stop him from reaching his goals: he uses the light from the McDonald’s window to study every night. He wants to work in the police force one day since his late father, who died in jail, wanted him to be a cop. “I want to help the Philippines,” the young boy declared.
His Life Has Totally Changed
“He is a very studious and determined boy,” his mother said. “He would insist on going to school even without his lunch money because I have no money to give. He always tells me: ‘Mama, I don’t want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams.’” Ever since his story went viral, Daniel and his family have received overwhelming support from all around the world. His mother was given funds to start her own business. Daniel has received cash donations as well as school supplies, school uniforms, and a reading lamp. And best of all, he has been offered a scholarship from regional politician Samuel Pagdilao. The generous scholarship should be enough to get Daniel through college.
Such a Simple Act Had a Huge Effect
Not only has his family gotten support, Daniel’s local church, government and social welfare office also received donations. “Our problem is how to manage all this financial assistance,” the city’s social welfare office chief said. “He has become a symbol of poor slum boys in the city who can’t study because they don’t have electricity.” Torrefranca cannot believe that a mere photo made such a difference.
