Having faced the challenges of finishing school himself, Alden Richards was inspired to establish a foundation that provides educational scholarships to students in need.

“I wasn’t able to finish school myself so parang the reason why I decided to put up a foundation for education is to break a certain cycle in the lives of kids. Basically, Filipino kids who are struggling with school,” Alden said about the inspiration behind the establishment of the AR Foundation Inc. in an interview with TFC’s BRGY.

Alden emphasized that economic struggles remain a significant barrier for many young students striving to complete their education.

“Sinasabi nila na parang hindi hadlang ang kahirapan sa edukasyon but actually, it is a hindrance. Because hindi enough ‘yung passion mo, hindi enough ‘yung dreams mo for you to be able to fulfill and finish school,” he pointed out.

The actor went on: “There are certain factors pa rin talaga in our society also when it comes to education that requires funding, that requires money. Kasi ‘pag papasok ka sa school siyempre may pamasahe ka, siyempre you need to pay for school projects as well and ‘yung other necessities.”

Alden’s foundation provides help on school expenses such as tuition fees and allowances to their scholars.

“The reason why I put up a foundation is to make these kids fulfill their dreams and let them know that there is extended help na pwedeng makatulong sa kanila, may it be for allowance, or ‘yung actual tuition fees or kung ano man ang pwedeng maitulong sa kanila,” he said.

“It’s for the main reason of changing their lives and breaking the cycle na ‘pag walang mahingan titigil na lang. That’s a certain cycle that I didn’t want them to experience kasi dumating din ako sa ganung point in my life so that’s the reason for this foundation.”

Alden shared that he has encouraged those who graduated with the help of his foundation to pay it forward. According to him, the foundation has already supported five students in completing their college education.

“Sa akin nga, more than enough na I’m able to see them fly and graduate. That’s more than a fulfillment para sa akin. Pero ang maganda kasi with all the other scholars, actually, even na tapos na sila, I think we have five right now who finished college, they come back to us and ask us ano ‘yung pwede nilang matulong.”

“Because that’s what I’ve been telling them: pay it forward. And if I’m doing this to you guys right now, I want you to be that person also to help and to give back to the people who are in need,” he added.