Photos of a young boy using the light from a fast-food restaurant to study on a wooden bench went viral, prompting local authorities to intervene.
Student Joyce Gilos Torrefranca spotted the young boy, who has now been identified as Daniel Cabrera, sitting on the sidewalk in Cebu, Philippines.
Torrefranca uploaded photos of the boy to Facebook and they quickly clocked up more than 60,000 shares.
After the photos went viral, the local social welfare officer visited the Cabrera family to find out what assistance they could offer the family, reported ABS-CBN News.
Torrefranca told ABS-CBN News: "For me as a student, it just hit me a lot, like big time. I seldom go to coffee shops to study. And then this kid, he doesn't have anything but he has dedication to study."
ABS-CBN News found the boy in a nearby restaurant and learned he has no permanent home because his family's house was destroyed by a fire, which is why he had been studying under the restaurant's lights every evening.
One Facebook commenter, Giomen Probert Ladra Alayon, wrote on the photo: "I was able to talk to this kid moments after Joyce took this snapshot.
"This kid's perseverance in studying makes this picture such an inspiration. Despite the lack of personal space or inadequate lighting, still he chose to study."
Cabrera who is said to be in third grade, so is likely to be eight or nine years old, told ABS-CBN News that despite his current living situation, he is "determined to finish his studies", so he can help his family as his mum is a widow and his sibling is sick.
After finding out the name of the boy and learning that he was now getting assistance, Torrefranca wrote on Facebook: "I didn't think that a simple photo can make a huge difference.
"Thank you guys for sharing the photo. With that, we were able to help Daniel in reaching his dreams.
"I hope Daniel's story will continue touching our hearts so that we will always be inspired and motivated in every situation we face in life."
Tips for Getting Homework Done
Don't Run on Empty!(01 of08)
Open Image ModalBefore starting homework, feed your child a nutritious snack. Even if dinner is one hour away, do offer cheese and crackers, a piece of fruit, or veggies and dip. Don't offer a sugary treat, as sugar gives a quick burst of energy, followed by a sudden energy drop. If your child is in Junior or Senior Kindergarten, a 30-minute nap before homework goes a long, long way! (credit:Shutterstock)
Find The Sweet Spot(02 of08)
Open Image ModalGet your child set up for homework at a spot with minimal distractions, such as a desk or the kitchen table. Ensure that distractions like television, video games, toys and other games are not in the picture. A quiet room is an ideal place to do homework, away from other noises and activities. (credit:Shutterstock)
In The Mood(03 of08)
Open Image ModalTry to gauge your child's mood before embarking on homework. For example, an irritable child doesn't want to hear that it's homework time! Try to sweeten a sour child's mood by talking about his or her favourite things or happy memories. If you reach a homework impasse due to your child's mood, leave it and return to it in 30 minutes time or so. Is the homework due tomorrow? If not, perhaps leave it today, if your child agrees that it will be done tomorrow. (credit:Shutterstock)
Be a Detective(04 of08)
Open Image ModalIf your child won't do the homework, ask why? There is a difference between not wanting to do the homework, to not being able to do the homework. Does your child need extra help in a subject? If so, be prepared to step in, or find someone who can assist, like a classmate, teacher or tutor. If your child has a hard time sitting still for a long period of time, or has a shorter attention span, break homework up into two different sittings or offer a 10-minute break in between. (credit:Shutterstock)
Offer an Incentive(05 of08)
Open Image ModalIf you child works well with incentives, offer one for completing the homework! It could be a simple reward like playing outdoors with their friends, watching 30 minutes of their favourite television programme, or doing a special activity on the weekend. A reward chart works well for this, with one week of completed homework equating to a special incentive that you and your child can decide together. (credit:Shutterstock)
Work Alongside Your Child!(06 of08)
Open Image ModalIf you work alongside your child while homework is completed, you will be able to discuss the homework together, correct your child's work on the spot, offer praise for a job well done, or encourage a procrastinating child to keep working ahead. And chances are good that your child will enjoy the companionship! (credit:Shutterstock)
Go Ahead(07 of08)
Open Image ModalIf your child is in a groove and speeding through the homework, do try to work ahead if the teacher permits it. Not only will you get a lot accomplished, you will have the opportunity to skip a day if you need to. This technique has worked well for my children, who get their homework assigned on Monday, with it due on Friday. (credit:Shutterstock)
When All Else Fails (Mommy's Secret Weapon)!(08 of08)
Open Image ModalIf your child refuses to do homework, reach for Mommy's (or Daddy's) Secret Weapon! Only you will know what will work with your child in times of desperation. I had tried threats, punishments, guilt-trips and bargaining without results. So, I use Mommy's Secret Weapon: a note to teacher stating that my child wouldn't complete the homework and that I'm aware of it. I have never sent it yet, but I am willing to. This always snaps my child out of his trance and gets the homework done! (credit:Shutterstock)