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The World Between Us star Jasmine Curtis-Smith appreciates the value of learning that she couldn't help but feel for those who are not fortunate to have access to education.

For years, Jasmine has been helping World Vision in its mission to help send children to school to give them a better future.

The task is noble and gratifying but challenging nonetheless due to several factors including funds and reaching out to families and children from remote areas of the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new set of trials to the non-government and humanitarian organization.

As a result, the ongoing health dilemma continues to affect many, especially those living in the most vulnerable conditions.

Among those most heavily affected are children as the pandemic continues to disrupt their learning and development and makes education inaccessible to millions of students nationwide.

According to World Vision's research, almost three million students have dropped out of school and that five in 10 families lack access to basic education since 2019.

These problems have only worsened during the pandemic because of the limited avenues to learn.

In the absence of face-to-face learning, online or remote methods have become the temporary norm, however, more than 38 percent of children in far-flung areas are unable to take advantage of this medium as they cannot afford the technological materials required.

Despite this, World Vision continues to stay true to its mission with the help of its many partners

For Father's Day last month, telecom company Globe through its Platinum customers organized a Cognac and Chocolates Pairing Night in partnership with the House of Remy Martin and local chocolate brand Malagos. The initiative raised over a hundred World Vision school kits to benefit the underprivileged children of Baseco Compound in Manila.

Now, World Vision has rolled out its “Back-to-School” campaign to extend support to children for the opening of the school year of 2021-2022.

Jasmine donated 1,500 children's books for this latest campaign. The reading materials donated by Jasmine educate kids on the proper and secure use of the internet and will be distributed to children in Malabon.

“Other than the back-to-school campaign, I've also been supporting the 'Abutin Natin' campaign, which has been running for two years now,” Jasmine told the media when asked about the extent of her participation in World Vision's many campaigns.

“Of course, continuously supporting po through the child sponsorship [initiative] kasi tuloy-tuloy po 'yon.

“We had the campaign last year [where we distributed] pandemic necessity kits, we did provide hygiene kits, and we also raised funds to provide tents, hand washing facilities, anything that was needed to maintain good hygiene during the pandemic,” she elaborated.

“Actually, lahat naman ng campaign ng World Vision, as much as possible kung kaya ko pong maging present and be vocal about it, I do my best to be there and support it.”

She also shared her thoughts on the virtual learning setup currently in place as a result of the pandemic - something that needs to be done for everyone's safety.

“'Yong pagka-miss ng mga bata na makipag-interact, makita mga kaklase nila and makahalubilo, and to be physically present with each other is something I know for sure nami-miss ng mga batang 'to,” pondered Jasmine.

“Imagine these kids na nagsisimula pa lang sila sa kanilang learning experience and then already they have to be restricted in terms of communication [and] interaction.

“There are skills kasi din na nabi-build natin as human beings 'pag na-exposed tayo sa ganung environment. Iba din ang building blocks ng school environment. I think 'yon 'yong pinaka important factor ng face to face settings na sana ma-experience ulit ng mga bata.”

The restrictions also mean that Jasmine wouldn't be able to interact with the children being helped out by World Vision this year.

Jasmine, however, needs not to look very far to be inspired to carry on with her advocacy to help children gain access to education.

“Recently, my sister [actress Anne Curtis] came home with her daughter. I also have a niece who had given birth. Being exposed to these super-duper young lives, wala pang one year of age o kaka-one-year-old pa lang, these kids in my family have access to education,” said Jasmine.

“But I look around me and I see so many kids on the streets and I see many families that struggle to make ends meet not just for the education of their kids, but for their daily necessities.

“So that in itself make me think, thank you Lord for what I have, but I know that there's something that we can do more to be able to reach out to these other families and these children.”

To help and learn more about World Vision's Back-to-School campaign, click here.

The materials that will be given to students in remote areas include school kits, printed modules, and gadgets for learning.

Visit World Vision's official website and social media pages to keep updated on its various initiatives.

Meanwhile, take a look at Jasmine's leading men in her previous movie and TV projects in this gallery.