Growing up in the Philippines and having the privilage to then backpack across Southeast Asia, I’ve seen firsthand how many young people are forced to work late nights at street stalls or restaurants instead of receiving an education. I was fortunate that my parents' hard work afforded me a different outcome, but I firmly believe education should be accessible to all, not a matter of luck. I know I can't solve everything on my own, but running for Children of the Mekong allows me to turn my empathy into tangible support for children across Southeast Asia who deserve the same chances I had. And Children of the Mekong is a charity that does just that as they help children living in poverty across Southeast Asia (including the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar) get a proper education. Instead of having to work to survive, kids every year get support from the charity to pay for school fees, books, uniforms, and safe places to study, helping them build a better future for themselves and their families. Every donation, no matter how small, directly helps keep a child in school and off the streets. Thank you so much for your support!