Sherwin Mariano will speak in Dandenong about escaping the Philippines” slums. 89173 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
By CASEY NEILL
CHILD sponsorship took Sherwin Mariano out of the Philippines’ slums and transformed his life.
On 18 November, he’ll share his story at Dandenong Baptist Church to find sponsors for other children living the life he escaped.
Mr Mariano was born in the slums of Manila, the second eldest of eight children, and brought up his siblings after their parents abandoned them.
“Living in a one-room shanty and sleeping on a concrete floor with seven siblings was the norm for my family,” he said.
“The hardest part for me and my siblings was the rejection we’ve felt from our parents and people in our community.”
Mr Mariano was one of the first children in the Philippines sponsored by an Australian family through International Needs. He was nine years old.
“It was something that could slightly fill the void inside me. I felt so special because someone loved me and they didn’t have to,” he said.
He said this support transformed his life. He’s now in his early 30s, holds a degree in science and education and is the CEO of International Needs’ Philippines branch.
“I believe my experience is not just about me,” he said.
“Through telling my story, people can see that I’m just one person, and there’s so many others who need help like I did.”
The Philippines is the size of Victoria and Tasmania combined, but is home to almost 90 million people.
It has the highest birth rate in Asia and communities constantly battles high unemployment. Many workers take home only $3 Australian a day.
Recent natural disasters have bombarded much of the country, killing hundreds of people, destroying homes and decimating livelihoods.
International Needs Australia is seeking child sponsors and donations to assist, and believes nutrition and education are the cornerstones every child needs to break out of the poverty cycle.
Mr Mariano will speak at Dandenong Baptist Church, 25-27 James Street, Dandenong, at 10am on Sunday 18 November.
Call 9877 7177 or visit www.internationalneeds.org.au for more information.
