A HAND OF KINDNESS
KIM DELOS REYES GALANG
Philippines is experiencing fast inflation. Which result to the Philippine poverty percentage going up every year, meaning worker's salaries are low, the prices of materials are higher, and taxes are being raised as well. But how is this related to public schools?
In the Philippines, public schools play a significant role in providing education to a vast majority of students. However, these institutions face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to deliver quality education. Understanding the struggles faced by public schools is essential for devising effective solutions to improve the education system. A strong and inclusive public education system is paramount for reducing educational disparities and propelling the nation towards social and economic progress. By shedding light on these struggles, we can identify areas in need of improvement and work towards creating a better educational environment for the students.
To be able to run a school you need a budget, but due to poverty that is quite hard to accomplish. That is where limited resources and facilities come in. As we all know, public schools in the Philippines have overcrowded classrooms, which can make it challenging for teachers and even the student themselves to manage. And sometimes schools can get a very tight budget, so the students and employees have to take action and make their own adjustments since they don't have much of a choice.
Along with that, there are also struggles similarly to lack of budget. For instance, lack of access to basic amenities and adequate classrooms. Thus, lack of resources and infrastructure in schools are effects of poverty to public schools. This results in struggles for students, teachers, including the guardians of the students and more.
In addition to that, there are also mental struggles that the students and employees are experiencing. Such as varying levels of student behavior. Student behavior is a teacher's struggle anywhere, but how does it affect the student? A student doesn't just naturally have these behaviors, children learn by seeing. However, how does this relate to poverty? Students from public schools tend to have family problems regarding poverty. In spite of that, schools try to get donations for those children just so that they can get by as they are. Nevertheless, teachers try their best to help these students.
These struggles have a detrimental impact on the provision of quality education provided to the students, hindering their learning opportunities and overall academic performance. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving increased investment in education, the promotion of inclusive and equitable educational policies that prioritize the needs of students, a collective effort from the government, educational institutes, and society as a whole. A strong and well-funded public education system is essential for the country’s future, empowering students to thrive and contribute effectively to society. By overcoming these obstacles, public schools can enhance their ability to provide quality education and improve the prospects of future generations.
Even with poverty striking the Philippines, every Filipino is making an effort to get by this struggle as one. Every act of kindness makes a difference, be it donations, or teachers trying their best to help their students whenever they are struggling. A helping hand makes a change to someone else’s life, learn to give help to those in need, and you'll be repaid for the kindness you give.
-oOoThe author is Teacher II at Sto. Rosario National High School, Minalin