"Most Filipino youth don't have access to education. Only 3 out of 10 completed elementary, only 1 out of 4 finished high school, and only 1 out of 100 graduated in college." reports Malaya newspaper in its February 14, 2006 edition.

As a personal initiative to help address the dismal reality, Munting Paaralan sa Ilang-Ilang was thought of. It is a weekend tutorial sessions among out-of-school youth in Masinag, Rizal. Undaunted by the challenge presented by the statistics we deem it is best to light one little candle than to curse the darkness. The previous statement maybe cliche but it sure was what spurred us in the first place to gather the "bote at dyaryo" kids and teenagers in the neighborhood for lessons in Values and the three R's: Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic.

To teach the kids so that they would learn is not the sole end of the Munting Paaralan sa Ilang-Ilang. The school is also an attempt to express the love of God in ways that are tangible and relevant to existing felt needs of the out-of school youth and their families in Masinag. As we teach we pray that proclamation of the gospel will find fertile grounds in the children and their parents' hearts that are blessed by the love of God.

The Munting Paaralan sa Ilang-Ilang is by no means a substitute for a formal kindergarten or elementary schooling for the recipients. It only serves as a temporary solution until the children are finally absorbed into the mainstream schools pending upon sourcing of scholarships and the children's coming to be academically qualified for the targeted grade level upon passing the accreditation exams of the Department of Education.

Nav Field Staff Willy Manubay, Elvi Pajaro, and Zeny Villena team up with others to bring lessons on the Three R's and Values to about 25 to 40 active kids and teenagers every weekend. One of the Manubays' neighbors brings baked goodies every Saturday as snacks for the kids. Another lady helps teachers with their transport expenses. An education major and Nav contact from PUP co-teaches too. A group of Christians sees to availability of the needed school supplies for the kids. And the local parish priest himself has given his blessings on the use of the church prayer meeting hall as classroom for weekend tutorial sessions.