In Philippine schools, class sizes of up to 60 students are common, so there is no possibility of individual attention in the school day. For many families, the compulsory school uniform, the children's meals and the transport to school are further financial problems. The lack of success in learning also calls into question the meaningfulness of their children's school education for poorly-off families. Because of these circumstances, Sister Felicitas and Sister La Salle decided to open their own school in 1993. At the beginning, there were two teachers who taught one kindergarten class and two primary school classes. Today, the children of the home receive schooling from kindergarten, followed by six years of Elementary and then six years of High School. Such a degree enables them to go on to university. Over 600 pupils currently attend the school and over 30 teachers are employed. Besides classical lessons, there is a lot of practical learning. For example, all children at the Fatima Centre learn to cook; to keep pigs, goats and poultry; to grow and harvest rice, vegetables and fruit. The development of independence and respectful cooperation, hospitality, charity and the Christian faith are at the centre of daily life at the Fatima Centre.