Vote Efren Peñaflorida as CNN Hero of the Year / Efren Peñaflorida and his Kariton Classroom

Efren Peñaflorida - Have you tried reading your Science book or English book in a “Kariton” classroom? Or teaching kids to read using a “Kariton” classroom? This is an inspiring story of a young man who hopes to expand education in every areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of trouble.

Efren Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets with their helpful main tool : A “Kariton” (pushcart) classroom.

And now, Efren Peñaflorida and his Kariton classroom was recognized by CNN for his efforts in bringing education to underprivileged children. But the unassuming and inspiring teacher who chose to rise from a poverty-stricken life admits he didn’t expect to be nominated for CNN’s Hero of the Year. He said,

“I almost froze when I heard the news. I was in total shock! Top 10 was surreal, it came as a big surprise, ” he shares. Peñaflorida was busy with other volunteers helping with rebuilding efforts after typhoon Ondoy when the announcement was made. “With Anderson Cooper’s announcement, Caviteños and my Facebook friends rejoiced, my email and FB wall were filled with greetings.”

The 28-year-old Efren Peñaflorida grew up in Caridad, Cavite and the middle child of a tricycle driver and a vendor, and wished to be an engineer. He met his mentor during grade school, a pastor at Club 8586, where he volunteered to help with outreach projects. It was his mentor who also encouraged him to continue with volunteer work, assuring him that the Club will help him with his education. Peñaflorida finished high school and college, with an associate diploma in Computer Technology from San Sebastian College and a bachelor’s degree in education from the Cavite State University.

In 1999, Efren Peñaflorida formed the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) to divert the attention of students from violent gangs and fraternities. He recalls being told by his mentor that if he didn’t change his life, he will either end up in jail or get killed. With DTC, he encouraged others to focus their energies on community service and talent development.

Though it started out with only 20 volunteers, DTC now conducts several activities such as Balik Eskwela (Back to School), an annual event where they distribute free school supplies to underprivileged children and the group also runs a hygiene clinic, where children can get a bath and learn how to brush their teeth.

Since 1997, Efren Peñaflorida and his kariton classroom with  an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization also raise their own funds by making and selling crafts, aside from running their own “diyaryo-bote” operations, selling newspapers and bottles to support their projects.

Efren Peñaflorida is preparing for a trip to the United States to receive an award for being one of the top 10 nominees for CNN’s Hero of the Year. What we can do to help him?

Just vote Efren Peñaflorida as the CNN Hero of the Year. Voting ends on November 19.

To cast your vote visit: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/vote/

• « Koi Pond / Watch The Office Season 6 Episode 8
• » People of Walmart / Pictures of Strange People of Walmart

• Winner of 2009 CNN Hero of the Year/ Efren Peñaflorida CNN Hero of the Year 2009