A homeless, studious little boy in the Philippines is getting worldwide attention.
After a fellow student snapped a photo of Daniel Cabrera, 9, doing his homework in a quiet street in Cebu, the photo went viral, gaining attention from around the globe.
Joyce Torrefranca from Mandaue City posted the photos to Facebook on June 23, with the caption “I got inspired by a kid [heart].”
In the photo, the boy was seen crouching on his knees and studying on a wooden bench, using the light from a nearby McDonald’s store where his widowed mom and a sibling work.
ABS-CBN reported that the Cabrera family is struggling without a permanent home, since their house was recently destroyed by a fire. Daniel, who is in the third grade, reportedly studies every night under the lights of the nearby fast food chain. The family also lives temporarily in the restaurant.
His mom, Christina Espinosa, makes 80 pesos a day (about $1.77). At times, she said, she is unable to send her three children to school without food or allowance.
Despite his family’s current situation, Daniel said he is determined to finish his stories in order to help his family.
Rosalina Detuya, Daniel’s Grade 3 teacher, is impressed by the youngster’s faith and perseverance.
“Daniel is such a happy kid. He’s also smart. He really participates in class discussions,” she said.
“For me as a student, it just hit me a lot, like big time,” Joyce Torrefranca shared. “I seldom go to coffee shops to study. And then this kid, he doesn’t have anything but he has [the] dedication to study.”
After Torrefranca’s photos of Daniel went viral, donations of money and food began pouring in for his family.
Local politician Rep. Samuel Pagdilao gave the child a scholarship (the Anti-Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement & Support), and Ms. Espinosa has received several sponsored grants to start her own business. A local social welfare officer also visited the Cabrera family to see how the agency can help, providing cash and groceries.
“I didn’t think that a simple photo can make a huge difference,” Torrefranca posted on Facebook. “Thank you guys for sharing the photo. With that, we were able to help Daniel in reaching his dreams. I hope Daniel’s story will continue touching our hearts so that we will always be inspired and motivated in every situation we face in life.”
Inspired by his late father, Daniel hopes to one day become a police officer.
(With reports from ABS-CBN, Buzzfeed News)
