Scavenger with big dreams hailed as global kids’ inspiration

MANILA, Philippines - He was four years old when he suffered maltreatment from his parents and ran away from home, getting by with alms during the day and  spending nights in cold cemeteries.

Cold, hungry, and covered in scabs, Cris “Kesz” Valdez was spotted by Harnin Manalaysay, founder of local Christian charity group Club 8586, who eventually enrolled him in an alternative learning program known as the Kariton Klasrum.

The Kariton Klasrum, developed by Manalaysay with CNN 2009 Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, is a program where volunteers wheel wooden pushcarts filled with learning materials and sanitation supplies in  shanty towns to teach basic education and hygiene practices to out-of-school children.

It was through the Kariton Klasrum that Valdez learned how to read, write and care for himself.

Everytime he would return home, however, the young boy would be reminded of the difficulties of his situation and go back to scavenging, which was his only means of survival.

When he met an accident that severely burned parts of his arms and back, Valdez lost even the little that he had from a life that could best be described as desolate.

Luckily, Manalaysay took him in and treated him as his own – a decision he never regretted.

Manalaysay recounts the time Valdez turned seven.

He wanted to give the young boy a birthday celebration so he could experience it for the first time. But instead of the birthday treat, Valdez asked if he could give gifts to street children in Cavite. With Manalaysay’s support, what would have been spent on a memorable birthday celebration went to slippers, snacks and other items that he called Gifts of Hope.

That same year and at such a young age, Valdez also made the bold decision to reach out to more children by starting his very own organization.

Today, Valdez is making his own mark. Filled with compassion for others and inspired by people who give without expecting anything in return, he founded the Championing Community Children or C3.

“We hope to make a difference by teaching kids four basic things: hygiene, rights, nutrition, and gardening,” he said.

Valdez believes that by teaching kids the importance of proper hygiene, informing them about their basic rights, distributing nourishing snacks, and sharing ways on how to create a greener environment for all, out-of-school youth will be more prepared for life’s challenges.

Since its inception in 2005, C3 has helped thousands of kids and continues to make a difference in the lives of many. Because of this organization, Valdez  rose to fame as the first Southeast Asian to receive the International Children’s Peace Prize award.

“I was given a trophy, an international podium where I can talk about children’s needs and supplementary educational support until I graduate from college,” he shared, clarifying that the recognition did not come with any monetary reward.

He continues to lead a humble yet inspiring life with his foster parents in Cavite City, where he is a Grade 9 pupil in DTC’s educational program. He and his classmates attend classes at the URC Learning Center, an educational facility sponsored by Universal Robina Corporation.

The learning center is adorned with colorful murals of URC brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Knots, Chiz Curls, Magic Flakes, Fun Fries, Wafrets, Roller Coaster, Refresh, C2, and Payless Instant Mami.

As construction of the second floor of the URC Learning Center commenced, Valdez could not help contain his excitment, knowing that it will mean the fulfillment of more hopes and dreams.