CNN- 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. Efren Peñaflorida is a son of a tricycle driver and a housewife, Efren grew up near a landfill in the city of Cavite southwest of Manila. He completed his elementary and high school education through the help of scholarships and financial assistance. He received several class awards, medals and honors.
The 28 Year Old Efren Peñaflorida will receive $100,000 from CNN. The network's top anchor Anderson Cooper announced the winner at the conclusion of the annual awards ceremony.
