For 34-year-old Mark Angelo Reyes, waking up before dawn to begin work was a routine he accepted long ago. As the eldest of five siblings in Quezon City, he left school at 16 to help his father, a tricycle driver, and his mother, who sold vegetables at the wet market.
“Life was hard, but that was normal for us,” Mark shares quietly, glancing down at his calloused hands. “I always wanted to finish school. But when my youngest sister was born, I had to choose work.”
For years, Mark juggled different jobs – from fast-food service to security guard shifts. Still, every payday felt like a reset button, never quite enough to build savings or plan for the future.
But today, sitting in a bright training room at CJF Philippines’ Manila Lifelong Learning Centre, he wears a different expression: one of focus, hope, and determination.
“I never thought I would study again,” he says, smiling faintly. “Now, I feel like I can finally catch up with life.”
A Program Rooted in Dignity and Opportunity
Mark is one of over 200 adult learners currently enrolled in CJF Philippines’ Continuing Education and Workforce Readiness Program, funded by The Courtney Jordan Foundation. This initiative was launched to address a stark reality in the country: that millions of working-age Filipinos remain underemployed due to limited formal education and lack of targeted upskilling programs.
“Education is not just about children and teenagers,” says Maria Lourdes Santos, Program Director of CJF Philippines. “Many adults were forced to stop schooling to support their families. They carry this silent regret. Our mission is to tell them: it’s never too late.”
The program offers:
Intensive English language development, focused on call center fluency, global professionalism, and cultural nuance. Vocational and technical skills training in IT support, business process outsourcing, and administrative work. Confidence-building workshops, including public speaking, customer engagement, and personal development. Job placement partnerships with companies like Neyius Group, who recently opened their Manila Call Wizards office, prioritising graduates from this program.
Mark’s Journey: From Fear to Confidence
When Mark first applied, he almost didn’t attend the orientation.
“I was scared,” he admits. “I thought I was too old, and I would be embarrassed. But Ate Liza, my neighbour, told me, ‘Mark, you can do this. Do it for your kids.’”
Now three months in, Mark greets his classmates with confidence. His instructors note his progress: once shy to speak English, he now leads group practice sessions.
“I practice every night,” he says with determination. “My son, Miguel, helps me read. He says, ‘Papa, you’re good!’ That makes me proud.”
A Vision of Transformation
For Courtney Jordan, founder of The Courtney Jordan Foundation, programs like this represent more than skills training – they represent justice, dignity, and empowerment.
“Education is the great equaliser,” Jordan states. “When we invest in adults who were left behind by circumstances, we invest in the entire community. Their success fuels the next generation’s dreams.”
This vision resonates deeply with the local team at CJF Philippines. Maria Lourdes Santos adds:
“When mothers and fathers come to us and say, ‘Thank you for making me feel seen again,’ we know we are fulfilling our calling.”
The Ripple Effect
Indeed, the impact goes beyond individual learners. Mark’s wife, Jennylyn, now plans to enrol next cycle to complete her bookkeeping certification.
“We want to build a small sari-sari store one day,” Mark says with a quiet, hopeful smile. “But for now, I want to work in a call center, earn well, and show my children that learning never ends.”
Join Us in Building Futures
At CJF Philippines, we believe education has no age limit. Whether 17 or 57, every Filipino deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and create a life of purpose.
To learn more about our continuing education programs, enrolment schedules, and partnership opportunities, visit www.cjfphilippines.org.
