Girl hunches over her homework while sitting on a post alongside a filthy road

The heartbreaking image, which was taken in the Philippines by a local resident, according to Mirror Online, was apparently shared by a man called James Co on Facebook and the paper reports that it has so far garnered more than 12,000 likes.

A local news outlet which appears to have interviewed the girl, named as Cielo Gonzales, along with her sister Jenalyn, captured footage of them dressed in pyjamas with dirt-streaked faces sitting on the side of a busy road on a flattened cardboard box.

The two girls, who are diligently working away on their notepads during the interview, are seated on the street with an adult women named as Linda Gonzales, presumably their mother.

Cielo is seen practising her letters and later shows the cameras what looks like a maths exercise book. 

Nothing else is known of the family's situation, but as one Facebook user reportedly commented:

'I appreciated this child's determination to learn. I hope someone could help her to pursue her studies, an organization, or foundation. God bless her.'

The poignant photo of Cielo harks back to a similar one taken in the Philippines in July by a medical student called Joyce Torrefranca.

In this image, a young local boy named as Daniel Cabrera was seen on the streets behind a makeshift wooden desk, using the light from the nearby McDonald's restaurant to help see his homework in the darkness.

Ms Torrefranca  noticed the boy whilst walking home late at night and felt so moved, she took a quick photo and shared it on her social media page.

According to social news network Rappler, Daniel, nine, is at a Grade 3 elementary school student in Mandaue City.

At the time, it was reported that Daniel only owned a single pencil after one of his fellow students stole his second pencil from him.

It is believed he lives with his mother and younger brother in a small food stall after his father died in prison and his old home burnt down.

Despite the difficult conditions, Daniel is committed to his studies and whilst his classmates are playing football in the streets, he is often spotted studying in the light of the restaurant. 

Ms Torrefranca's photo of Daniel was quickly shared, with dozens of people commenting how impressed they were with the young boy's studying efforts.

She later wrote: '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.'

A fundraising page was set up for Daniel, intended to reward the young boy's dedication to his studies by encouraging people to help fund the young boy's education.

The page generated ₱234,134 (around £3,250).

Another witness, Giomen Probert Ladra Alayon, also saw the boy studying in the street and managed to have a quick conversation with him. 

Writing on his social media page, Giomen praised nine-year old Daniel:

'His example leaves us to ask ourselves, 'If this kid can do it, why can't we? Why do we need to go to coffee shops, study centers, etc. to pay much if studying only requires study materials and your own will power?'

Mr Alayon also commented on how Daniel's attitude should be used as an example by more people.

He wrote: 'Daniel perseveres because he knows how it feels to have nothing. We should learn from him. Life's greatest lessons come not from famous personalities but from simple people. Keep your eyes and mind open.'

'We should learn from him. And with that discipline and focus, I'm sure he will become someone someday! God bless everyone! Good day!'  

(dailymail.co.uk)