The Story Behind the Palawan Jungle Schools
How an unexpected journey helped bring education to remote communities in the Philippines.
When photographer Jasper Iturriaga first visited the remote jungle communities on the island of Palawan, he was struck by how a lack of access to education was limiting an entire generation. Jasper did what he knows best - he documented what he saw. He shared videos online, using social media to invite people around the world to care and help build something better. Within days, thousands responded with donations and support.
What resonated was the belief that every child deserves access to a basic education. In just a few years, hundreds of children have come through the Jungle School system. Today, the first students are beginning to graduate into college programs, marking the start of a long-term shift that began with a single story shared online.
We sat down with Jasper to learn how it all started and where the project is headed next. Then we hiked into the mountains to see the schools for ourselves.
How did the Palawan Jungle Schools project begin?
It began unexpectedly. I traveled to Palawan to visit a friend who flew medical evacuations into remote indigenous communities. After seeing the challenges the Palaw'an people faced, especially the lack of access to education, I couldn't leave.
Many adults couldn't read or write, making them vulnerable when selling their crops. I realized education wasn't just about literacy, it was about dignity, opportunity, and protecting their future.
I started sharing the community's story online, and people around the world responded. Together, we raised more than $100,000 through everyday donors, allowing us to build our first two jungle schools. What started as an unexpected visit became a movement that's still changing lives today.
What led you to become the Country Director for Child Impact Philippines?
The Jungle Schools showed me that education changes everything. I watched children who had never held a pencil begin dreaming of becoming teachers, nurses, and leaders in their own communities. Joining Child Impact Philippines felt like a natural next step. Today, I work with local leaders to identify communities in need, oversee projects across the country, and continue telling stories that inspire action.
Our mission extends beyond classrooms. We want every child to have access to education, nutritious food, healthcare, and a safe place to grow.
Why are these jungle schools so important?
Without these schools, many children simply wouldn't receive an education. Before they were built, some students had to walk for hours through the mountains just to reach the nearest public school. For many families, that wasn't possible. Today, children learn close to home while receiving lessons, practical life skills, and often the most nutritious meal they'll have all day.
The volunteer teachers are the heart of the program. They choose to live in these remote communities, mentoring students and becoming trusted leaders. These schools provide far more than education, they create hope and opportunity.
What's the biggest impact you've seen?
The greatest impact has been watching hope become opportunity. Parents who never had the chance to attend school now encourage their children to stay in school because they've seen the difference education can make. Some of our very first students have graduated and continued to college - something that once felt almost impossible. Today, seven Jungle School students are pursuing higher education, proving what's possible when children are given the chance to learn.
What's your vision for the future?
Our vision is simple: no child should be limited by where they're born. We want to expand access to education, strengthen existing schools, support teachers, provide nutritious meals, and ensure every child has the resources to succeed. We're already seeing that vision become reality. One of our first students, Messy, is now studying education with the goal of returning to teach at the very school where she once learned.
How can people support the project?
There are many ways to help, from sponsoring a child or supporting a jungle school to providing meals, school supplies, or teacher support. Just as important is sharing these stories. These schools exist because people saw a story, chose to care, and inspired others to do the same. Every donation, share, and conversation helps create opportunities for children who deserve the chance to build their own future.
