Black Pencil Project lauds CNN Hero of the Year Kuya Ef

Black Pencil Project congratulates CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida Jr. of the Dynamic Teen Company. Kariton educator Efren or “Kuya Ef” to his volunteers started teaching out-of-school youths in slums of Cavite using a pushcart classroom in 1997.

“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry,” Peñaflorida said upon accepting the honor. “Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need. So to each and every person inside this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dream, and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.” the 28-year old child education champion said on his acceptance speech in star-studded Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Learn more about Efren Peñaflorida here.