In Sual, Pangasinan, a town north of Metro Manila, reading scores have become a concern for the entire community. Parents, barangay (village) readers, teachers, and even children celebrated the drop in non-readers to 32% from 93% in 2009 at a Parent-Barangay Education Summit conducted by the Project Management Team of Sual last November 19, 2010.
Five parent leaders from each of the 19 schools were present. Visibly seen sitting in front were barangay officials wearing their vests and hats, proving to everyone that they have as much stake in education as the others.
Eyes were glued to the white screen that showed the achievements of Project John last year. Parent-leaders were not only trained last year, they also trained other parents on responsible parenthood and how they can assist their children at home.
Teachers felt more confident of their capabilities after going through a two-day intensive training that brought them back to the basics of reading. Grade One students experienced the joy of bringing home their very own workbooks provided to them by Team Energy Foundation. Seeing this excited parents and barangay leaders.
When they were asked what they wanted for their children, the answer was one that has always been every parent’s dream: to see their kids finish schooling. Barangay leaders are in a unique position to help the community, and with parents on their side, it would only be a matter of time before the landscape of education is changed in Sual.
A little girl sat in a corner during the workshop, almost unnoticed. As the questions were thrown at the participants, the little girl read the questions aloud and excitedly jot down her answers in one of the meta cards. When a question on how the parents and barangay leaders can help each other was asked, a Synergeia Foundation program officer peered over her notes and saw her write, “maging mabuting bata para hindi mahirapan ang nanay at tatay ko makipagkaibigan sa mga brgy kapteyn.” (to be a good girl so that my mother and father will not have difficulties, and to befriend the barangay captain.)
Young as she is, she has a part to play in education. The miracle is that even as a child, she understands this role and is raring to do her part.
