Filipino Boy Receives Scholarship after Photo Goes Viral

October 4, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. grant /grænt/ (v.) – to give something to a person
Example: He was able to graduate because the school granted him a scholarship. 

2. sidewalk /ˈsaɪdˌwɔk/ (n.) – the area on the side of a street or road
Example: You can’t ride your bike on the sidewalk.

3. allowance /əˈlaʊ əns/ (n.) – money given for a specific purpose
Example: My parents gave me a weekly allowance when I was still studying.

4. diligent /ˈdɪl ɪ dʒənt/ (adj.) – to be very hardworking
Example: The diligent student spent the weekend studying.

5. fulfill /fʊlˈfɪl/ (v.) – to make something happen
Example: With my parent’s help, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a pilot.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A Filipino boy named Daniel Cabrera has been granted a scholarship after a photo of him studying outside a McDonald’s restaurant went viral.

The photo, taken by college student Joyce Torrefranca, showed the nine-year-old doing his homework by the sidewalk of a McDonald’s restaurant in Cebu. Daniel studied near the restaurant for light and used a stool as his table. The photo immediately became viral after Joyce posted it, which caught the attention of McDonald’s Philippines. People reacted positively to the photo, with some offering to give donations to Daniel and his family.

According to a press release, McDonald’s Philippines gave Daniel a basic education scholarship, which he can use until 12th grade. This scholarship will provide for his school expenses, such as uniforms and school supplies. He will also receive a monthly allowance from the fast food chain. 

The support has motivated Daniel to work harder. His mother, Christine, said that Daniel is very diligent and determined. He goes to school even on days when she cannot give him lunch money. Christine also shared that Daniel would constantly remind her that he studies hard because he does not want to remain poor and because he wants to fulfill his dreams.

Daniel is from Mandaue [man-DOU-we], a city in the province of Cebu. He lives with his widowed mother and three siblings in a small grocery store where his mother works. In 2010, the Cabreras lost their house to a fire.

Ronald McDonald House Charities is also planning to help other children in Daniel’s school, Subangdaku Elementary School, through a reading program called Ronald McDonald Read to Learn.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What are the possible considerations in giving someone a scholarship?
·         Aside from providing scholarships, how else can charities help children with their education?

Discussion B

·         How can the Internet be used to help those who are in need?
·         If you could help a child in need, would you rather give money or a scholarship? State your reasons. 

October 4, 2015