An image of a homeless boy who used light from a McDonald’s restaurant in the Philippines to do his homework has gone viral on social media with many saying he had inspired them.
Daniel Cabrera, 9, a homeless boy who uses light from fast food restaurant to do his school homework / Facebook
Daniel Cabrera was spotted by Joyce Torrefranca, a medical student, as he worked away on the pavement in Manilla.
She posted the image to Facebook, saying Daniel had inspired her to work harder:
The picture was soon being shared thousands of times, with people reflecting how often even basic living standards are taken for granted.
Daniel’s home was burnt down and his father died. He is often seen begging with his mother in the same area, but shows a determination to get an education.
"As a student, it gave me an inspiration to work harder. I'm fortunate my parents were able to send me to school. I seldom go to coffee shops to study, but this kid just hit me,” Torrefranca told Rappler.
“You really don't need much, you just have to be determined and focused on the things that you want to achieve."
One of Daniel’s teachers, Rosalina Detuya, described him as “a happy child”.
“He is also intelligent and actually answers during class discussion, he really participates”, she said.
Since it was posted online, the photo of the young boy has gone viral, leading to a huge number of donations for Daniel and his family.
Daniel will now be able to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor or a policeman after people from around the world fundraised an education scholarship to take him all the way through college.
As well as securing financial support, the family received cash and other school supplies.
Daniel, 9, is at a Grade 3 elementary school student in Mandaue City. Before the photo, he only had a single pencil after one of his fellow students stole his second pencil from him.
In an interview with AFP, Daniel's mother, Christina Espinoza, said: 'We're overjoyed. I don't know what I will do with all of these blessings. Now, Daniel will not have to suffer just to finish his studies.'
Daniel lives with his two young sibling and his mother in her employer's small, wall less food stall after his father died in prison and their old home burnt down five years ago.
His mother said she earned just 80 pesos ($1.77) a day, working as the stall owner's domestic helper. In order to help provide for her children, Ms Espinoza also sells cigarettes and sweets on the streets in Mandaue.
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