Due to COVID-19, students, among others, are finding it difficult to cope with the challenges posed by this pandemic. Yes, it’s been almost two years and its aftermath is wreaking havoc on learning fun among students who belong to the bottom, lost and excluded.
In my mixed class, for example, less than half of my 38 students have this Android cell phone; therefore many of them were not able to join our google meet session. Yes, this situation requires me to think of a solution to this problem, taking into account that some of my students have parents who are either out of work or unable to pay for one or other reasons they may have.
Even if a child is eager to learn through a half-day online class a week just to get the feeling of being with their peers online, if there is no Android cell phone available, it is really sad for the child. . While other of your synchronously capable learning peers have fun and meaningful engagements through these educational technologies like iPad, desktop, lappie or whatever, a simple cell phone has none.
Yeah, one of your parents or siblings or whatever is using it, having the opportunity to join the online class or just “Online Kumustahan” or just Monday morning prayer and national anthem ceremonies, it becomes tedious. Added to this kind of problem is the internet connection, either insufficient charging or low internet connectivity, not just once but always. Given the fact that the Philippines has one of the slowest internet speeds in the world.
I had a survey about this and my students with the most challenging situation really need help. Since I believe that there is always a way to the road, rather we, my colleagues, have to do something about this challenge.
So, we ask about an old cell phone unit, any member of the community could have one that is not in use, they could also donate it to the children. Well, as of this writing, we are still waiting for benevolent donors to give these children hope and who knows, one day, these children might pay back and do the same act of kindness to others who need help.
It’s a cliché that it takes a town to raise a child; but, it is also a good opportunity to act for your own well-being, even more so, in this time of pandemic, where true heroes prevail.
This pandemic has brought us to a phase where everyone can be nice or nasty, helpful or selfish, understanding or indifferent, generous or hoarding, to name a few. What do you think is more appropriate behavior that one should observe and be sane and sound and holy? Simple, right?
Giving is second nature to those who have been helped by those around them during their most difficult times. Paying in advance, easier to do, for the good works done for you by “good Samaritans” who are more than willing to provide help to those who are least, lost and excluded. Yes, how are these children.
Well, if you are interested in donating your old cell phone for these children, for their online or mixed classes, do not hesitate to visit our school and see how you can collaborate and help.