Mano Amiga Philippines

How one microbusiness owner's belief in education transformed into life-changing support for Filipino students

In the vibrant landscape of social entrepreneurship in the Philippines, small businesses often operate quietly—hustling with heart, hoping their efforts make a difference. But sometimes, those quiet efforts lead to something extraordinary.

Christelle’s journey with Kakayanin PH is one such story. It’s a testament to how a simple belief in the power of education can ripple outward—touching lives, transforming futures, and lighting the way for others.

A Shared Vision for Educational Excellence

For Christelle Rojano, the founder of Kakayanin PH, education has never been just a cause—it’s a calling. A firm believer that quality education is key to nation-building, she has long supported initiatives that uplift Filipino children and give them a fighting chance at a better life.

Her encounter with Mano Amiga began through former colleagues and deepened when she joined the Skills for Success program. There, she witnessed firsthand what sets Mano Amiga apart—not just the emphasis on academic excellence, but its holistic approach to development and community transformation.

This approach deeply resonated with Kakayanin PH. Supporting Mano Amiga wasn’t just a choice—it was a natural alignment of shared values.

From Vision to Reality: The Crowdfunding Journey

Like many passion projects, setting up the fundraiser came with its fair share of challenges. The biggest challenge? Spreading the word and mobilizing support.

But Kakayanin PH wasn’t alone. With the help of The Spark Project and the SHE Fellowship program, they were equipped with the tools and knowledge to run a successful crowdfunding campaign. Mentorship, community support, and strategic storytelling played vital roles in bringing their vision to life.

Part of their campaign featured items close to the heart of their mission—one of which was the Alaala ng Pasko Christmas candle, lovingly blended in partnership with the Mano Amiga community. This collaboration not only brought a warm, nostalgic glow into people’s homes but also carried the scent of shared purpose and hope.

A Goal Achieved, A Dream Fulfilled

When they finally reached their fundraising target—enough to sponsor a Mano Amiga scholar—the team behind Kakayanin PH was filled with awe and gratitude.

“It was humbling,” she shared. “We are literally a microbusiness. Kakayanin PH is not even a year old when we conceptualized the crowdfunding, but this journey truly proved my limiting beliefs wrong. ”

For Christelle, the success challenged her own limiting beliefs about what was possible for a small business like Kakayanin PH. The response from supporters wasn't just financial—it was a validation of the cause itself. People didn't simply donate; they became advocates, sharing the campaign with their own networks and helping to amplify the message organically.

A Message of Light and Hope

We asked Christelle what her message is to her scholar, and this is her response:

“I hope that you discover that spark that will light not only your own being, but also the people and places around you. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The Ripple Effect of Small Actions

Kakayanin PH's successful fundraising campaign illustrates an important principle in social impact work: meaningful change doesn't always require massive organizations or substantial initial resources. Sometimes, all it takes is one person—one spark—to ignite a wave of change.

This partnership between Kakayanin PH and Mano Amiga is more than a fundraiser. It’s a shared mission to create opportunities where they’re needed most, and a reminder that small businesses can be powerful vehicles for social transformation.

To Christelle, and to every small business out there dreaming of doing good: thank you for proving that purpose-driven work, no matter how modest, can light up the world.

Want to create your own ripple of change?

Partner with Mano Amiga through fundraising initiatives.

📩 Email us at admincomms@manoamigaph.org to learn more.

Letting the Light In: Kakayanin PH's Journey to Sponsor a Mano Amiga Scholar