RIZSA Albarracin grew up in a remote and impoverished village in a tropical jungle in the Philippines. Her childhood was filled with struggles for survival, and a yearning for education.
Dr Albarracin’s village didn’t have roads, electricity, medical clinics or schools.
Determined to go to school, she would walk over 10km each day – often barefoot – through the jungle. By age 12, she was supporting herself to work as a mid-servant, and to get through high school.
She later worked and studied in New Zealand and Australia.
Now, she is involved in managing the Shepherds Arms Children’s Home in Bahol, Philippines, for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. She works for Queensland Health and sits on the management committee of the Humanitarian Projects International Inc, a charity bringing hope and a future to orphans.
Dr Albarracin is guest speaker at a meeting of The Rotary Club of Loganholme on Monday August 1, where people can hear her story.
The meeting is at Club Beenleigh, 28a Alamein St, Beenleigh. Dinner is at 6pm and the meeting at 7pm. Phone Sue 0416 043 454 or Sharon 0410 592 766.
Determined to gain an education
