When I met Kofi Annan (UN)

Years of struggle had long honed Aling Tita's powerful sense of solidarity. Her neighbors rely on her in many ways. She often supports parents trying to enroll their children in school, or applying for administrative papers from the City Hall. She plays a key role in making it possible for ATD Fourth World to run a Street Library in her community. Marilyn says, “I know also how much Aling Tita dreams that all kids in her community can access school at a very young age and so she tries to go out of her way, making links with other non-profits and government organizations to see what programs are out there for the children living in her area. It is her way to show that they are part of a larger society and that these children have the same rights as any other children in the Philippines.” Aling Tita's experience as an Activist had given her the confidence to represent others, to share the hidden realities of their lives, and their common hopes for the future.