08/08/2026
First Ever RHEMA Project Completers, Now LEAD Scholars
Since the inauguration of the RHEMA Project in 2014, and amid the ups and downs of tackling child marriage, child work, and other challenges resulting from cyclical poverty, we finally celebrated a breakthrough!
Last July 30, 2026, FCCDI held an inspiring Completion Program for the three (3) Badjaos who successfully completed the RHEMA Project. Raya, Levi, and Danilo are our first ever Badjao students who completed the senior high school program last semester. They fought through unimaginable barriers and they succeeded. Their testimony truly inspired the other Badjao students who are current beneficiaries of the RHEMA Project.
Testimonies were shared by each RHEMA Project completer. One was from Raya. She was married at 16, became a mother at 17, and needed a lot of support to even consider going back to school. Child marriage was a cultural practice she lived through. If not for the encouragement of her faith community, the relentless support of FCCDI, and thankfully an understanding husband, she could have settled in their tribal customary life. But, thanks to God, and like Danilo and Levi, Raya chose to defy the norms, leaned on the voice of faith rather than fear, and received empowerment from the Holy Spirit to overcome barriers.
The journey was not short of challenges. That’s why the success of the 3 Badjao RHEMA scholars was a much-relished win. Their families also expressed their grateful messages during the event. They were very supportive of their students through the years and it was heartwarming to share the moment together with them. What’s also outstanding was how more parents have transformed to become education champions. From not much hope to passionately partnering with FCCDI in the pursuit of education for their children. FCCDI’s consistent and intentional partnership with parents is definitely bearing fruit in various good ways. This is proof that when a community gets united for a cause, even what seemed impossible becomes admirably possible! For this, we are deeply humbled for what God has done.
Having graduated from senior high school, the 3 RHEMA Project completers now moved up to the LEAD Project, a college and leadership initiative of FCCDI for its beneficiaries who have become part of its workforce in rebuilding communities and transforming lives. To God be all the glory!
