April 14
The first day of vacation actually found us waking up early
and going to school. The father of one of my students is the headmaster of a
government school, which is still in session this week. We contacted him and he
let us stop by to visit, and compare and contrast private schools like Our Lady
of Holy Cross, and this public school. It was definitely eye opening.
- The school compound was very large, and dutifully so. The
school consists of a nursery building, primary school building, and JHS (Junior
High) building. They are also constructing another building at the moment.
-There are many trees to provide shade, and its very
spacious so there is plenty of room to play.
- They fit many students in one room. I counted 60 eighth graders crammed into 20 desks, sitting on 20 small benches. And 8th
graders aren’t small.
-There are close to 1000 students enrolled. There isn’t
enough space for all of these students, so they go to school in shifts. Half go
in the morning from 8-12, and half go from 1-5. I have no idea how the teachers
are able to cover all of the material with 60 students and only a half day of
school, but they say they are on track. Impressive.
- There is no snack or lunch provided. Students bring their
own food, and there are a few street vendors that pay 20 pesawas (about a dime)
per day to set up a small table and sell water, juice, crackers, and meat pies.
- Many had never seen a white person up close, and many many
many had never heard one speak in person. Even the teachers had a difficult
time understanding our accents. Monica talks quickly, and whenever she talked
you saw the facial expressions on the teachers turn from happy to confused to
bewilderment, all while the kids just cracked up laughing. I would then say the
exact same thing Monica tried saying, and students and teachers alike would “oooooh!”
in unison of understanding. It was hilarious.
- They have no school fees. The JHS students were preparing
to take an exam to qualify for high school while we visited. The teacher was
explaining that many may not pass, and many that do pass won’t be able to
afford the Senior High School fees, so they won’t go. It was really sad to hear
that. He put us in an uncomfortable position by asking us in front of all 60
eighth graders if we would help support them and give out scholarships so they
can continue their education. We said we would try; see what we can do. Then a
girl in the front row raised her hand, stood up, and boldly asked, “Will you
really help us? Or are you just saying you’ll help?”
The teacher explained, “You white people- you come, snap our
photos, snap snap snap, promise us scholarships, and then leave and we never
hear from you. Why?”
My heart is pulled in so many directions- how can I not help these young brilliant minds
further their education? But at this point in my life I have close to zero
resources, and only my allegiance to Our Lady of Holy Cross School. I pray that
these young men and women find the means to continue their education and grow
to be great leaders.
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| A KG class |
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| 8th grade class- I couldn't even fit all 60 students in the picture. |
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