How ‘My Dream In A Shoebox’ is Equipping the Filipino Youth for Tomorrow’s Challenges

As My Dream In A Shoebox (MDIAS), the annual education campaign led by strategic marketing agency TeamAsia, celebrates its 16th year, the organization is evolving its mission to address the ever-changing needs of underprivileged Filipino children.

Moving beyond the provision of traditional school supplies, MDIAS is now focusing on equipping the youth with essential skills for the future, including English proficiency, effective communication, and technological readiness. This new focus aligns with modern educational trends that prioritize not only academic knowledge but also the development of skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.

MDIAS’ innovative resources and programs are designed to nurture these skills, ensuring that the children the campaign supports are well-prepared for the demands of the 21st century.

“Our mission has always been to support and uplift underprivileged children, but we recognize that the landscape of education is shifting. To truly prepare our youth for future challenges, we must go beyond basic supplies and focus on critical skills that foster critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability,” explained Bea Lim, President and CEO of TeamAsia and chief dream builder of MDIAS.

In line with this expanded mission, MDIAS has also forged strategic partnerships with corporate and educational leaders such as the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH), a foundation committed to helping far-flung and coastal areas access and finish children’s education. These collaborations are instrumental in amplifying the organization’s impact and in reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth.

“Collaborating with organizations that share our vision for education and empowerment allows us to create a more substantial and lasting impact. Together, we can provide the tools and opportunities that will transform lives and communities,” said Anton Lim, co-founder of YBH. “These strategic investments and partnerships are crucial for ensuring that the resources provided to children are high-quality, relevant, and effective in fostering growth and development.”

MDIAS’ 16th anniversary marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s journey, reflecting a deepened commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Filipino youth. As MDIAS continues to innovate and evolve, it remains dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged children across the Philippines.

To take part in the MDIAS campaign, follow these steps to donate:

1. Visit the My Dream in a Shoebox website at https://shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com/
2. Click the ‘Donate Now’ button.
3. Choose which of the causes you would like to donate to: Donate a Dream Kit, Support a Scholar, or Fund an e-hub. You can also donate to all!
4. If you wish to donate a dream kit, the amount is P300. To fund an e-hub, you can input the amount you would like to donate and click “Make a Donation.” But if you want to support a scholar or a community, you may choose to donate PHP3,000 or PHP30,000, respectively.
5. Review your cart and hit ‘Proceed to Checkout.’
6. Fill up the billing form, choose your mode of payment, and click ‘Place Order.’

“This year and for the future iterations of MDIAS, we aim to provide more than just traditional school supplies. We are committed to equipping our youth with essential skills for the future – skills that will empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. With the help of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and our other partners and supporters, we can achieve a brighter future for every Filipino child,” said Lim.

Make a donation now and see how small efforts when put together can make a big impact on the youth and the community.