Taking a ‘Chance’ at eliminating illiteracy

MANILA, Philippines -  At a young age, Chance Wilson often wondered why a good number of his classmates encountered reading difficulties. Despite a good exposure to learning fundamentals, many of them still couldn’t read or write when called upon by their teachers.

As his questions led to bigger curiosities, Chance realized that the problem wasn’t just happening inside their class as he learned that a staggering figure of people across the globe actually lacked the ability to read or write.

Dissatisfied with the public school system in the United States, 14-year-old Chance decided to act on his idea.

“Turning my imagination to action, I realized this was a problem and I should do more about it,” he said.

Despite not having enough resources, money, and people to help him address the worsening state of illiteracy, Chance founded Wilson Global Initiative (WGI) in 2014, a non-profit organization that aims to teach everyone how to read and write.

From its humble beginnings, WGI is now able to extend assistance to low-income communities in the United States through their set of programs.

“I was inspired to spread global education, reduce poverty, and make the world a better place. Today, at 17 years old, I still have that inspiration,” Chance said.

Chance Wilson turned his imagination into action by establishing the Wilson Global Initiative at the age of 14.

The organization’s ‘Digital Libraries’, ‘One Community’, and ‘Read & Rice’ projects help alleviate the condition that Chance had wanted to address since the beginning.

In just three years, the footprint of the organization had grown as it expanded around the world to include Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Tanzania, and the Philippines by partnering with local organizations.

In the Philippines, WGI collaborates with Concordia Children’s Services Inc., a child welfare agency based in Manila that provides refuge to urban poor children who were abandoned or neglected.

Through their partnership with WGI, Concordia continues to help children through their ‘Receiving Home’ and ‘Educational Assistance’ programs.

Receing Home benefits abandoned and less fortunate children who experience various activities such as health and nutrition services, outings and educational trips, counseling, and spiritual activities.

“We believe that every child in a family has the right to be nurtured, loved, educated and empowered,” executive director Chrisler Go said.

Concordia is currently taking in 104 children, 25 of them attending English training sessions. Visit www.concordiachildrens.org to learn more.