FINISHING SCHOOL. Street children and out-of-school youth in Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines are getting an opportunity to finish their education thanks to an alternative school program at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. Supplied photo.
By Jett L Torres, Program Coordinator of the Xavier Ateneo Night School Program
It was just a simple advocacy of young leaders who desire to effect change in society by giving street tutorial sessions to street children. The advocacy started in 2011 with a handful of youth with the heart and commitment to providing a significant learning experience to the disadvantaged children, especially those who have no or limited access to education and sometimes, even love from their families. Since then, the advocacy has become a canopy of hope bringing light into their daunting world. It has become an institutional mission — serving the least, the lost, and the last. We believe education is the most effective way to realize the beauty of their dreams.
LIGHT SOURCE OF EDUCATION. I carry my own personal principles to this mission, to help give a new hope to our learners. It is my desire to deepen my professional skills, understanding cultural diversity, and reflective pedagogical approaches, and be able to share them with the street kids and out-of-school youth of the Xavier Ateneo Night School Program. Together, we must fulfill our collective aspiration of providing a shared learning environment that promotes effective, contextualized, and contemporary methods for our students.
INNOVATION FOR LEARNING. Innovation is my way of understanding what excellence in teaching portrays. It also serves as the center of learning and helps us meet the various needs of the learners. As an innovator of learning, it is my passion to motivate learners to pursue their dreams with perseverance and hard work. This is putting the philosophy of learning into practice. I will remain an innovator for in learning, striving to explore contemporary methods to contribute to educating our nation’s youth.
GUARDIAN OF LEARNERS. It is in the path of our society to make education accessible to everyone. Learners yearn for opportunities for learning. This is our call, our passion. We will continue to look for more ways to improve the program by building partnerships with different organizations. We also invite other schools to set up Alternative Learning System (ALS) centers to give opportunities for street children and out-of-school youth to get an alternative education.
Knowledge is important and it is critical for building better decisions in our everyday lives. This program has provided them an opportunity to supplement their basic knowledge and ability and to boost their self-confidence despite their struggles. As we continue to build a secure and shared community, let us open our eyes in nurturing our culture of friendship and the identity of Xavier University’s mission — "to be men and women for and with others.”∎
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XAVIER ATENEO. Program coordinator and formator Jett Torres (leftmost) and the students of the Xavier Ateneo Night School strike a photo after their visit to the City Social Welfare Department office. Supplied photo.