Camping at school
At the end of March, we went camping at school again. This is an annual event and, for many, the highlight of the year. Even years later, we still hear from former pupils that camping at school was a truly special experience for them. Spending the whole day together playing fun games, enjoying good food, and grilling sausages or bread rolls over the campfire […]
By Jazz
“My name is Jazz, and I am eleven years old. I live in Payatas with my mum and dad. There are only three of us in the family, because I am an only child. This year, I went through one of the hardest times of my life — my grandfather passed away. He was very dear to me, and […]
Businesswoman Mary Jade
All pupils at Papaya School, and those who subsequently receive an Apple Scholarship, come from families unable to meet their basic needs. Is there money for food that day? Loans are taken out for medical care (at usurious interest rates, as there is no collateral) and the homes are small, […]
“I’m just lucky”
Most pupils start at the Papaya School when they are 5, in ‘Kindergarten’, which is similar to Year 2 in the Netherlands. This year, however, Ezekiel (6) started in Year 1 (Year 3). Here’s what he has to say about it: “We came to school for my younger sister. My mum wanted to try and get a place in Kindergarten for […]
Small, but with a big personality
Johanna is just five years old when she starts nursery at the Papaya School. She lives in Payatas with her parents, her 20-year-old sister Jocelle and her 9-year-old brother JM. Johanna’s mother’s income is the family’s sole source of income. She earns this by running a small shop where […]
A new bus!
What a relief! After a long time with a school bus that wasn’t working properly (or at all), we’ve got a new one. And that brought a great deal of joy.
Genius
“My name is Genielle and I am in Grade 5 at Papaya School. There are five of us at home: my father, mother, older brother John Aldrin, my 13-year-old sister Angelie and myself. My father works hard to make sure we have food and clothes and that we can go to school. Fortunately, my […]
Kalinga Gala Dinner 2026
On 30 May, Kalinga is organising its third Gala Dinner: an evening of delicious food, conviviality, surprising performances by well-known and lesser-known artists, inspiring stories and impact. An evening on which we will join forces to support disadvantaged children in the Philippines. Come and join us! By taking your place at the table, you will be making a direct contribution to better opportunities for children in […]
International Week
A recurring event at Philippine schools is International Week. This year's theme was “Unity in Diversity: A World of Rhythm”. During International Week, children learn about other countries, their inhabitants and cultures, as well as their history. At Papaya School, too, attention is always paid in various ways to […]
Happy Twins
“Hi, we are Azhalea and Aaron, both 11 years old, because we are twins! We live in Payatas and both attend Papaya School. We always go to school together on the school bus. When the bus arrives, other children are waiting too. We really enjoy being twins. We […]
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