My Dream In A Shoebox (MDIAS), the annual advocacy campaign of TeamAsia that seeks to support Filipino children with their educational needs, has exceeded its goal this year of raising P450,000 to build an educational hub (E-hub) and sponsor more than 100 scholars in its partner communities.

Now in its 14th year, the campaign in partnership with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation has raised a total of P750,000 to establish one E-hub, support 110 scholars, and provide 1,300 dream kits.

The E-hub aims to support students and teachers with access to six laptops, internet connection, and allowance for logistical expenses. The scholars, on the other hand, will be given financial aid for school supplies, transportation, learning modules, hygiene kits, and face masks. Meanwhile, the dream kits, containing school supplies like notebooks, pens, and pencils, among others, have already been distributed to teachers and learners.

“The future of our world is really dependent on future generations to come, and this is why we must help provide them with the opportunities to make their #BiggerDreams come true,” said Bea Lim, Managing Director of TeamAsia and Chief Dream Builder of MDIAS. “MDIAS stayed true to its commitment of making students’ #BiggerDreams come true by adapting to the changing times and providing support that is relevant to the learning setup today.”

She added, “Through MDIAS, we hope that the public and our partners will continue to help us in the coming years in supporting Filipino children to learn, build their futures, and make their #BiggerDreams come true.”

For Dr. Anton Mari Lim, Co-Founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, the continued partnership with TeamAsia for the MDIAS campaign has made a significant impact on the communities that the foundation supports.

Scholars from Yellow Boat of Hope School Maluso in Basilan, Sulu.

Scholars from Mantatao Elementary School in Calape, Bohol

Scholars from Caohagan Elementary School in Cebu

“More children are encouraged to go to school because of the support they receive from these organizations,” he said. “By providing financial assistance and other forms of aid, these partners have helped to create an environment where young people feel valued and supported. As a result, we have seen many children who were previously struggling to attend school now able to continue their education.”

He added, “Hope is the driving force behind our mission to support Filipino students with their education. It is the foundation of the partnership we share with TeamAsia and My Dream in a Shoebox, and it is what inspires us to keep pushing forward. We are so grateful for your unwavering support and commitment to making #BiggerDreams come true for more children around the Philippines.”

Since 2009, MDIAS has been equipping less fortunate Filipino children with educational assistance. It started with a modest collection of 200 shoeboxes from TeamAsia’s industry partners and friends, containing school supplies to inspire children to go to school. Through the years, it has expanded to sponsoring students from various partner communities across the country and impacted as much as 400,000 lives.

In 2022, MDIAS raised nearly P1 million that funded three E-hubs, sponsored 100 scholars, and provided 1,000 dream kits.

TeamAsia believes in education for all. Through My Dream in a Shoebox, the company hopes to help even more children and help make more #biggerdreams come true for the next school year and the years to come.