Homeless boy spotted studying by light of McDonald's is offered scholarship grant

Daniel Cabrera has told how he now wants to become a policeman to make his country proud

A young homeless boy has been offered a scholarship grant after a photograph of him doing his homework in the street went viral.

Little Daniel Cabrera captured the heart's of the world after the picture of him using light from a nearby McDonald's to study was shared thousands of times on the internet.

Since the photo came to light, the boy and his family have been swamped with offers of financial support.

The offers include an unspecified scholarship grant from the Anti-Crime and Terrorism through Community Involvement & Support party in the country.

In an interview with ABS-CBN in the Philippines, Daniel told how he now hopes to use the grant to go on to better things.

He said: "I want to be a policeman to help the Philippines."

The original photo was taken by student Joyce Torrefranca, and shone a light on the plight of Daniel and his family.

The young boy was sitting outside a McDonald's so he could do his homework by the restaurant's bright lights at night.

And now kindhearted people all over the world started sending money and school supplies to help him and his family.

Daniel's mum Christina Espinoza has expressed her gratitude at the incredible response of people worldwide.

We're overjoyed. I don't know what I will do with all of these blessings. Now, Daniel will not have to suffer just to finish his studies," she said.

According to reports, there's been enough money raised to take him all the waythrough college and to pursue his ambition of being a doctor or policeman.

Just 9 years old, Daniel's dad is dead, and his family home was burnt to the ground. His mum earns around £1.14 a day and he's often seen begging on the streets.

The Grade 3 elementary school student in Mandaue City had just one pencil after a classmate stole his second pencil from him, reports AFP.

His mum explained: "He is a very studious and determined boy... he would insist on going to school even without his lunch money because I have no money to give.

"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.

He always tells me: 'Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams'."

Joyce Torrefranca's original post has since been shared on Facebook more than 7,000 times, and she posted how pleased he was at the outcome.

"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.