You've probably seen his name in Facebook and Twitter, urging you to vote for him as this year's CNN Hero of the Year. Each year, CNN gives $100,000 to the winner from ten finalists, whittled down from 9,000 nominees from around the world. Efren Peņaflorida Jr. was recognized by CNN for his efforts in bringing education to underprivileged children by using kariton classrooms. But the unassuming and inspiring teacher who chose to rise from a poverty-stricken life admits he didn't expect to be nominated for CNN's Hero of the Year.
"I almost froze when I heard the news. I was in total shock! Top 10 was surreal, it came as a big surprise, " he shares. Peņaflorida was busy with other volunteers helping with rebuilding efforts after typhoon Ondoy when the announcement was made. "With Anderson Cooper's announcement, Caviteņos and my Facebook friends rejoiced, my email and FB wall were filled with greetings."
Now 28, Peņaflorida grew up in Caridad, Cavite not having much. The middle child of a tricycle driver and a vendor, he dreamt of being an engineer. He met his mentor during grade school, a pastor at Club 8586, where he volunteered to help with outreach projects. It was his mentor who also encouraged him to continue with volunteer work, assuring him that the Club will help him with his education. Peņaflorida finished high school and college, with an associate diploma in Computer Technology from San Sebastian College and a bachelor's degree in education from the Cavite State University.
Knowing firsthand how living in the slums can push children into a life filled with drugs, violence and hopelessness, Peņaflorida formed the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) in 1999 to divert the attention of students from violent gangs and fraternities. He recalls being told by his mentor that if he didn't change his life, he will either end up in jail or get killed. With DTC, he encouraged others to focus their energies on community service and talent development.
Though it started out with only 20 volunteers, DTC now conducts several activities such as Balik Eskwela (Back to School), an annual event where they distribute free school supplies to underprivileged children and hold hygiene and medical missions in Cavite. They also raise their own funds by producing crafts for sale, aside from running their own "diyaryo-bote" operations, selling newspapers and bottles to support their projects.
The Cavite-based group has received several citations, including recognition from the National Economic and Development Board (NEDA) and the National Youth Commission of the Philippines in 2008 and Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Award from ABS-CBN in 2007.
