Project Pearls founder speaks again at world literacy summit

Melissa Villa is the founder of the literacy advocacy organization Project PEARLS. CONTRIBUTED

Filipino American literacy advocate Melissa Villa was invited back by the World Literacy Foundation to lecture at this year’s World Literacy Summit at Oxford University, on the daily struggles of children and families living in chronic extreme poverty in the Philippines and the vital role that literacy and education play in breaking that cycle.

The lectureship award was given by Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, a UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development. Villa, the founder of the literacy advocacy organization Project PEARLS, was honored In 2018 with the Albert Schweitzer Medal and Lectureship at the same summit.

The Albert Schweitzer Medal and Lectureship commemorates the Philanthropists Academic Albert Schweitzer who devoted the greater part of his life to providing medical and educational service in the remote parts of Africa in the early 20^th Century.

Project PEARLS has made remarkable progress, from having just over 40 preschool scholars in 2011 to now having more than 700 scholars enrolled in pre-school to college, with several college graduates.

During her stay in the UK, Villa met with the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor James Fry, and his wife, Councillor Susanna Pressel. Villa shared the inspiring mission and vision of Project PEARLS with them, and they generously shared their valuable insights on grants, scholarships, and other potential resources available through various universities in Oxford, including the prestigious Oxford University.

Villa’s visit also included a courtesy meeting with the new Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Teodoro Locsin Jr.. Villa appealed to the Locsin to support her advocacy and join the cause to empower the poorest of the poor in select communities in the Philippines through education, empowerment, nutrition, healthcare services, and more.

Reflecting on her experience, Villa said, “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come our way. This is a result of the hard work, teamwork, grit, and faith of everyone involved with Project PEARLS.”

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come our way. This is a result of the hard work, teamwork, grit, and faith of everyone involved with Project PEARLS,” Villa said, expressing her gratitude for the continued support and recognition of her mission.

To learn more about Project PEARLS and how you can make a difference, visit www.projectpearls.org.