SERVING THE POOR IN MANILAThree years ago, I travelled to the Philippines for three weeks to serve those in extreme poverty. The very next year, I found myself back in the Philippines for two months in which I ran feeding and ministry programs for street children, youth, families in dumpsites, and street gangs. This fall, I'm returning to the Philippines for a year as an intern with International Teams. My goals are even more focused this trip - particularly with regards to my be-lief in the potential for education to help street children escape a vi-cious trend in unemployment, gang violence, and poverty.

ABOUTPHILIPPINES• Location:

Southeast Asia, south of

China• Population:

90 million•Metro Manila is 11th largest city in world

with 16 million people

•7,000 islands make up the

country

WHAT AM I ABOUT?I am very passionate about two things: education and poverty. In the last year, I completed my Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto, and I experienced the joy of teaching Kindergarten-Gr. 6 classes in various inner-city schools. Bringing my guitar to class each day, I frequently incor-porated music into my teaching. I also brought the desire to facilitate the learning of children with special needs. For the summer, I will be teaching and counseling at a summer camp for children with special needs.

A FRESH SERVING OF COFFEY

IN THE PHILIPPINESJOHN COFFEY NOV 2009 - NOV 2010

TEACHING IN THE STREETS OF MANILA,

PHILIPPINES

TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

IN TORONTO

WHY THE PHILIPPINES?Manila, Philippines is one of the most overpopulated cities in the world. I was appalled and broken-hearted at the sight of densely packed squatter communities that stretched for miles, sometimes through dump sites. Many school-aged children in these areas and in the slums do not have the oppor-tunity to get any formal education. Often basic needs for food, sanitation, and safety come before the need for education. My desire is to help urban poor chil-dren achieve both these basic needs and to have the opportunity to learn skills that can lead to future em-ployment. Specifically, I will be feeding and washing street children, helping youth with addictions, and teaching literacy programs for the urban poor. I am also hoping to take Tagalog lessons and to volunteer in a small elementary school in a squatter commu-nity.

LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER!I am so blessed to have these gifts for teaching and serving those in poverty. I am hoping to give back to a community that never had the same opportunities I had for an education. However, I cannot do this alone. This trip wouldn’t be possible without the support of others, and I want you to be an integral part of this mission to help those in poverty rise above their situations in practical ways. My hope is that you will discover the same joy in giving and following my mission as I do in serving! My total monthly support required is $1,460, and almost 50% of that will go directly to programs for the urban poor I will be working with (e.g., scholarships for children to attend school, feedings and literacy program costs). Includ-ing initial set-up fees (e.g., flight, visa), the total amount I need to raise is $20,000. You may choose to support me for a month or a week of my trip (which can be divided into monthly statements as opposed to a one-time payment), or you can make a donations of any amount. I greatly appreciate any contribution you can offer, financially or prayerfully.

CHILDREN LIVING IN DUMP SITES

CHILDREN FROM THE SLUMS

CONTACT INFOInternational Teams1 Union StreetElmira, ON N3B 3J9Phone: 519-669-8844

Toll-Free: 1-800-465-7601(cheques payable to “International Teams”)

secure online giving available at:www.iteams.cacontact me at:

johndlcoffey@gmail.com

SPECIFICSDeparture: Nov 1Duration: 1 yearBudget: $20,000