The Filipino school that launched a Changing Lives Through Sports project to reshape outcomes for at-risk students
Mariveles National High School - Poblacion (MNHS-Poblacion), a public secondary school in Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines, is reshaping outcomes for its students with its Changing Lives Through Sports project, which builds learners' physical, mental, emotional, and social skills. In the predominantly poor region of Mariveles, many young people develop unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol abuse, and addiction to computer games, along with discipline and attitude problems that create significant barriers to reaching their full potential.
To challenge traditional education and teach students that winning can extend beyond the sports field, the project integrates structured training sessions with academic support and health awareness to develop student-athletes who are physically fit, responsible, disciplined, and academically competent. Experienced coaches train the students in basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw, while providing learning mentorship to ensure they can keep up in the classroom. Through this approach, students become engaged in sports, developing passion, perseverance, discipline, and dedication, while strengthening their academic proficiencies in a more motivated learning environment.
The programme offers academic support systems and flexible class schedules to ensure learners can balance training and schoolwork. They are taught the importance of a balanced diet, hydration, and self-care, and mental health workshops help them manage stress, build self-confidence, and stay motivated in both sports and academics.
Many young lives have been positively impacted through the project. Those experiencing bullying, suffering from depression, and battling addiction have found positive outlets for change, with many moving on to become national champions. Learners have stepped up to become leaders and role models in the community, and graduates often follow careers in physical education, coaching, or lead sports clinics. Enrolment has increased year-on-year since the project’s implementation.
The project proves that giving students an opportunity to excel in what they are passionate about empowers them to build resilience, set goals, and learn to lead, so that they can confidently take ownership of their personal development, on and off the field.
