LIGHT IT FORWARD - Candle Making For learners at risk of dropping out at Dalig National High School

According to recent national data, 18.6% of Filipinos aged 5–24 years old are not attending school, representing nearly 11 million out-of-school youth. Poverty remains one of the strongest determinants of whether a child stays in school. When families struggle to meet daily expenses, children are often forced to seek work, miss classes, or lose motivation altogether. Across the Philippines,  thousands of children continue to face the risk of dropping out of school due to financial hardship.

Among the leading causes are financial difficulty, such as the inability to afford school supplies, meals, uniforms, transportation, and other basic needs. Boys, in particular, are pushed into early employment, while girls are vulnerable to early marriage or household responsibilities. Without steady income, parents are unable to sustain their children’s educational needs, resulting in interrupted learning and high dropout risks.

To help address this challenge, the Rotary Club of Antipolo City, under the leadership of President Rachel Fletcher, organized a candle-making training program entitled “Light It Forward” for the Benefit of Learners at Risk of Dropping Out of School (LARDOS)” at Dalig National High School.

Candle-making requires minimal capital, easy-to-learn skills, and materials that are widely accessible. It is practical, low-cost, and a high-impact livelihood intervention.

Candles continue to have strong market demand for home use, churches, events, memorials, celebrations, and community rituals. With proper training, parents can produce and sell candles from home, generating immediate income that can help cover daily school-related expenses. This training is crucial to strengthen not only the students but also the parents who support them.

This project is carried out in partnership with the newly established Rotary Community Corps (RCC), represented by its President, Jose Danque Jr. It is a timely initiative that aligns with the formation of the RCC, which was spearheaded by New Generation Director Ginger Sumulong Gumapac.

Dalig National High School was carefully chosen by Dir. Ginger as the beneficiary, based on presented data, community needs, and strong leadership support. According to the Schools Governance and Operations Division (SGOD), Dalig NHS consistently has one of the highest numbers of Learners at Risk of Dropping Out (LARDOS) in Antipolo City, making it a priority school for targeted intervention. It’s Principal Dr. Jonathan P. Domingo Dr. Domingo—who also serves as the Chief Education Supervisor of DepEd Antipolo (SGOD Chief)—confirmed during earlier consultations that financial hardship, health- related concerns, and complex family situations remain the leading causes of dropout cases in the school. 

To ensure sustainability, livelihood programs must go beyond basic production skills. With the help of Dr. Marichelle Ann Carreon, CEO and owner of Hezekiah Vocational Technological Training Institute, parents of LARDOS, underwent the candle making training which includes lessons in pricing, selecting quality materials, equipment needed, packaging, marketing, budgeting, and simple business management, it also covers a motivational talk! These equips parents not just to create products, run a small, and continuous income-generating activity but also develop confidence and financial independence.

Empowering parents with sustainable livelihood opportunities directly improves school attendance and participation. When parents have access to reliable income sources, they gain the capacity to consistently provide for their children’s educational needs. When parents are empowered, the whole family benefits. Livelihood training gives parents skills and opportunities to earn. These follow a financial security, allowing the children to prioritize school and having an educational stability which then reduces the risk of dropping out.

Helping parents build livelihoods is a strategic investment in children’s education. By giving families the means to support schooling, we contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and building stronger, more resilient communities. Empowered parents create empowered students and empowered students build a brighter future for all.

Written by: Good President Rachel Fletcher, Rotary Club of Antipolo City