'Pushcart Teacher' with Honor

Filipino 'Pushcart Teacher' Named CNN Hero Of The Year

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November 23, 2009 -- 1:57 p.m. EST

Windsor Genova - AHN News Writer

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - A Filipino has been named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year after online voters chose him for the honor for teaching poor, out-of-school children using a pushcart loaded with education materials.

Efren Penaflorida's name was announced Saturday by CNN's Anderson Cooper at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. He will receive a $100,000 cash prize to continue his so-called "pushcart classroom," which goes to poor communities.

Penaflorida, 28, has a company, the Dynamic Teen Co., which provides the pushcart classroom. The company has 10,000 members conducting the teaching of reading, writing and hygiene. So far, 1,500 street children have been taught through the pushcart classroom.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will confer the Order of Sikatuna medal to Penaflorida for the honor he brought to the country.

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Vivan Las Filipinas!