Efren Peñaflorida, who started a “pushcart classroom” in the Philippines to bring education to poor children as an alternative to gang membership, has been named the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. His Dynamic Teen Company‘s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums. Learn more about Efren Penaflorida here.

CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida talks about his program

Efren Penaflorida – 2009 CNN Hero of the Year