Small and Simple Goals - Meet the Pacheco Family
Robert and Ivy Pacheco
The COVID pandemic brought new challenges to Filipino students. A particular challenge in the Philippines is online learning. Not only is the country not prepared with the infrastructure to support this type of educational platform, the majority of Filipino families do not have the resources to have an internet connection at home as well as a dedicated device for students to use for their online learning.
Robert and Ivy Pacheco were in that situation last year. They didn’t know how to support their children in managing this drastic shift to online learning. Ivy shared, “We only use a limited pocket wifi because the cost is more manageable. With the shift to online learning that kind of internet connection is no longer enough.”
The family had a working food cart business for almost 20 years, but the continuous lockdown due to COVID snatched that business away.
When the Academy held an online class in Negros Oriental, the Pachecos discovered an offering they could sell online to replace lost income – fabricated metal works. Robert said, “I have a talent in creating metal fabricated items and because of what we learned from the Academy, we decided to take pictures of my work and promote it online. We were surprised with the orders we received, from plant racks to pet cages and even a side car for a tricycle.”
Some of Robert’s fabricated metal works
As the Pachecos ventured out on this unchartered path, they kept their goals clearly in sight: a reliable internet connection in their home, and purchasing one device for the youngest learner in the family. Their youngest daughter, Rovy does not have a designated device to use. The couple remarked, “We wanted to have an internet connection badly but it was just not part of the family budget. We had to make it our priority goal. Despite the fear and hesitation, we tried the business because our kids are lagging behind in their schoolwork.”
Within two months of starting their online business, the Pacheco’s goals are now a reality. Through their hard work and application of the principles taught in the Academy programs, they were able to buy a brand new device for Rovy, and they were able to install their own internet connection at home. “Now our kids can stay home safely and continue their learning,” the couple beamed with pride and joy.
The Pachecos look ahead with faith and determination to setting new goals on their path to self-reliance.
Rovy with her new device for schoolwork
