My Story

Update

Jul 15

“To give knowledge and purpose to the young.” – Proverbs 1:4

Revisiting this verse—one that captures the heart of our school in the Philippines—reminds me of the transformation we’ve witnessed since its founding.

Ironically, teaching was the one career I never wanted, and English grammar was the one subject I absolutely dreaded in high school.

I made it into the University of the Philippines, but I wasn’t prepared to succeed. I was bilingual, yet lacked the language skills—both in English and Filipino—to express myself fluently in speech and writing. What helped me get through? A strong academic institution, and even more so, my mom, who was my teacher at home.

After graduating, I felt called to give back and support her. She had been struggling to find a good English teacher for People of Grace, the school she had founded to help children gain the foundational reading and math skills needed for a better future. I offered to take on the English teacher role and began training even as I stepped into the classroom.

The school was housed in an old theater, with only dividers separating the rooms. I often got sick and wrestled with the idea that I wasn’t pursuing my dreams. But then something unexpected happened: I began to see transformation.

Our elementary graduates were excelling in their public schools. Our high school students were succeeding in college and going on to secure good jobs to support their families. Seeing our students’ lives change sowed the first seeds of what would become the POGI Foundation.

My time at People of Grace shaped me and clarified my calling: to empower the next generation to live meaningful lives, grounded in purpose and focused on eternity.

At POGI Foundation, our mission is simple but profound:

To give those in need “a reason for living and a reasonable living.”

We want every young person to have the chance to live life to the fullest.

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Ways to Give

Online: bit.ly/pogigift
Cheques to ICMS: Please include a "separate" note – For People of Grace International
Contact: 604-240-5096 or peopleofgraceintl@gmail.com

Donations in the US and Canada are tax receipted by ICMS (International Christian Mission Services).