Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes have become the norm for schooling in the Philippines. In order to support disadvantaged students, a small ministry in Malolos is giving hope and assistance to students who need it the most through load scholarships to help them get through these hard times.

 

ELEVATE is a nationwide movement which aims to help students across Malolos through monthly load assistance for students who do not have access to a regular internet connection for their online classes. 

 

“We ask our members to ask their fellow classmates kung sino yung mga walang wifi or data lang ang gamit. Then we ask for their information for accountability purposes only,” Jan Hanniel Ramos, ELEVATE member and Malolos resident stated. "We send monthly load to them based sa need lang nila na load."

 

ELEVATE was formed by people in a ministry in Malolos. They were inspired to help students through a movement of millions of Christ-committed students meeting in small groups working towards the goal of transforming lives, families, campuses, communities.

 

“Nagkikita din kami twice a month every Saturday through online meetings — may pa-games tas kamustahan yung prize load din. Kwentuhan at nagbabasa din ng bible verses," Daniela Golpeo, a student and recipient of load assistance from ELEVATE, shared.

 

Despite the hardships of the pandemic and the continuing online classes of students around the country, people and groups such as ELEVATE are finding ways to help those in need like Golpeo. 

 

ELEVATE has helped 13 students since October 2020 with their students coming from different schools in Malolos such as Bulacan State University (BSU) and Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School (MHPNHS). They also plan to expand their program outside of Malolos as well.