Championing Children’s Education

Stepping up to defend children’s right to learning in the new normal

by Aiya Rodjel / July 21, 2020

German philosopher Immanuel Kant once said, “it is through education that all good in the world arises.” Every child has the right to education, but enter a global pandemic, and the access to basic education has been made more challenging.

Research from UNESCO shows that 1.1 billion children are out of school worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. On the local front, the Department of Education (DepEd) shared that there are only 21 million enrollees as of July 17, and this number is expected to climb modestly as some students are expected to enroll once the school year begins.

Some parents and guardians expressed their reservations, and everyone’s worries for children’s safety are valid, but it is important that children still get to pursue their education. As per the Global Partnership for Education, education is a powerful agent of change, and improves health and livelihoods. Education also contributes to social stability and drives long-term economic growth. With good quality education, the children of today can not only pursue their dreams, but have more opportunities to make an impact in society.

For children’s safety, DepEd is transitioning its traditional system into blending learning this coming school year. But it is important to note that not all children can afford the necessary gadgets and other materials needed in blending learning. Now more than ever, children are at risk of not getting to pursue their education. Recognizing how important it is for children to continue their studies amidst a global pandemic, some individuals and organizations have stepped up to the challenge, and are helping children fight for their right to education.

In the new blended learning setup, most children won’t get to study in a physical classroom, and they might not get the attention they need in order to properly understand their lessons. Some kind-hearted individuals took it upon themselves to extend a helping hand to children who need the extra push. Rene Abelita, a pawnshop security guard, won over hearts when a social media post of him teaching street children how to read and write during the community quarantine went viral. The netizen who spotted him shared that every time he passed by the pawnshop, the compassionate security guard taught different street children.

Another challenge to education in the new normal is access to printed materials. Not all students can afford to print the school materials they need. Enter wedding photographer Marvin Dungao  who pivoted his business into printing services to make a living during the community quarantine. Recognizing how some students may not have enough money to have their school materials printed, he offered free printing of student worksheets.

Not everyone has the means to pursue their education via distance learning. That is why students from the University of Santo Tomas launched a donation drive called Streets to Schools to help equip school children with the distance learning tools they need. This initiative raised old and new laptops, tablets, and school supplies that will be given to school children who need the devices amidst the new normal classes beginning August 2020.

Another student-led project is iUplift, which aims to provide Filipino students with necessary tools, such as tablets and school supplies, which are important in continuing their education amidst the threats of COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from tablets, they will also be providing printers in order for students to be able to print their learning materials for the new blended learning setup. 

The children of today are the leaders of the future, and their education is important for the betterment of our nation. While there are many challenges in the pursuit of children’s education in the new normal, some individuals and organizations have demonstrated that when we all work together, and help those in need, we spark the change we want to see. As we face a global crisis together, it’s imperative that we don’t leave children behind. They have the right to pursue their education, and they deserve a fighting chance to chase their dreams.