Fr Pierre Tritz, SJ founded ERDA in 1974. He was a French national. He gave up his French citizenship to become a Filipino. This was the only way then for him to build ERDA for the Filipino children.

He had a big heart for the children who were struggling to go to school. That was why he tasked ERDA to give them school supplies and assigned a Social Worker to monitor their schooling.

Aside from this, he also cared for the ERDA Staff.

One of these Staff was Ms Simforosa Bolivar. She also came from a struggling family in Negros Occidental.

She went to Manila; and began working for ERDA while still completing her university studies. She said that Fr Tritz supported her until she finished her college course.

This working experience with Fr Tritz had such a big impact in the life of Sim. When she bore a daughter who grew up and dared to dream to be the next Miss World, she influenced her to carry the advocacy of Fr Tritz for the ERDA children.

And this daughter is none other than, Gwen Fourniol. Sim met Gwen’s father, Thierry, in Paris, France.

Aside from Gwen, Sim and Thierry also have two more children, Pierre Alexandre and Yann Luc. The whole family has been supporting Gwen’s bid for the Miss World international title, and her advocacy for the education of the ERDA children.

Sim’s in-laws and Gwen’s great grandparents, Mr Louis and Mrs Berthe Ville and grandparents, Mr Jacques and Ms Michele Fourniol, also knew Fr Tritz personally and made donations to ERDA.

When the Miss World Philippines competition was held in Manila on June 5, 2022, Sim came all the way from London to support her only daughter. She gave the loudest cheer and most heartfelt love for Gwen,

In London, she instructed Gwen’s crew to rally people to be present and throw support during the coronation night.

A mother’s sincere prayer and intention would always be answered. And Gwen was crowned as the Miss World Philippines 2022. This was also the triumph of the ERDA children.