Manila, Philippines — The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, a Philippine non-profit dedicated to helping children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) gain access to education, has officially partnered with School The World, an NGO with over 16 years of experience delivering a comprehensive education model across Central America.
Central to this collaboration is their shared mission to overcome barriers to education and help reduce the Department of Education’s reported backlog of 165,000 classroom buildings.
This partnership is launching in six communities in Palawan and Zamboanga del Sur, where the two organizations are constructing classrooms to meet the urgent demand for adequate learning spaces. Alongside infrastructure development, they are also integrating teacher training and empowering parents to close learning gaps and strengthen community resilience.
This marks School The World’s first expansion into Southeast Asia, advancing their Moonshot 2030 vision to broaden their impact and ensure more children complete at least 10 years of quality education.
“This is not just about expanding geographically—it’s about deepening impact,” said Kate Curran, Founder and CEO of School The World. “Our holistic approach invests in the entire ecosystem—teachers, parents, and schools—and now we’re adapting this proven model to a new region where the need is critical and the potential for change is immense.”
Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring the initiatives are contextually relevant and effectively implemented within the Philippine setting.
“Education is a universal right, and addressing its accessibility is a shared global responsibility,” said Dr. Anton Mari Lim, President and Co-Founder of Yellow Boat of Hope. “Humanity will never progress if we look only after our own backyards and we are honored to partner with School the World and work together to provide accessible, quality education to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”
This alliance between Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and School The World exemplifies a broader global education trend: adapting evidence-based approaches across borders while centering local voices. As progress continues toward realizing SDG4: Quality Education for All and ensuring no child is left behind, this partnership highlights the essential role of collaboration, context, and sustained commitment.
For more information about the partnership or to get involved, please visit www.schooltheworld.org.
About Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation
Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that helps children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) access education, starting with something as basic yet life-changing as a boat ride to school. Since 2010, it has expanded to building classrooms, dormitories, bridges, and e-learning hubs—essential structures that make education more accessible and sustainable for students in last-mile areas. Learn more at www.yellowboat.org.
About School the World
Founded in 2009, School the World is an international nonprofit fighting extreme poverty through the power of education. Its community-based model has impacted more than 170,000 children across Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama. Learn more at www.schooltheworld.org.
