Meet the newest batch of TFS of Tabunan Elementary School’s kindergarteners!

DURING the pandemic, rates of students dropping out in the Philippines quickly started to rise. Before the pandemic, the number of out-of-school youths was 3.5 million as of 2017. And then, when COVID-19 hit, during the academic year 2020–2021, around five million students weren’t enrolled.

Even those in school were found to be struggling immensely with their academic workload. It was even found by the World Bank that nine out of ten children had difficulty with reading and writing at age ten, which is especially worrying in today’s climate. 

It’s not just a matter of students dropping out that’s concerning, either. According to the True Volunteer Foundation, 1 in 6 Filipino children never even get a chance to start going to school. 

One of the reasons attributed to this is poverty, which is no surprise considering the Philippines’ poverty rate is over 18 percent as per a study released back in 2021. Of the total population, 3.4 percent are unemployed. 

Often, people feel bad for the children who are never able to study, but what of their parents—the adults—who have had to face the same fate? 

People are used to seeing children as vulnerable, unable to read or write, and thinking that it’s alright because they have all the time in the world to get back on track. But what about when you turn 20, 30, or 50? What about when you have a spouse and children to look after, and then grandchildren to care for following that?

In the busy throng of adult life, it gets harder and harder to find time to do things for yourself, much less to pursue an education.

This is why, when King Rowel Ganir Salinas posted about the new batch of pupil-parents entering kindergarten at the TFS of Tabunan Elementary School, people were enthralled to see that no matter what age, it’s never too late to pursue your education. 

A new batch of pupil-parents

In a post dated July 12, Salinas congratulated the newest batch of Exceptional Pupil-Parents entering kindergarten at the TFS of Tabunan Elementary School for the school year of 2022–2023.

In his caption, he discusses the courageous decision the group of pupil-parents has made, stating that he applauds their dedication toward their personal growth and their faith in the power of education. He believes that the journey of these pupils will serve as an inspiration to others, hopefully getting people like them to continue with their education as well. 

“We understand that juggling the responsibilities of being a parent and a student can be challenging, and we commend your ability to balance these roles with grace and perseverance,” Salinas wrote. 

“Your determination to enhance your own education while simultaneously supporting your child’s development sets a remarkable example for your family and our entire school community.”

Nothing new for TFS of Tabunan Elementary

This isn’t the first time this school has celebrated what others may see as out of the ordinary. Most recently, they shared a post uplifting their students that have graduated from the sixth grade, commemorating the heritage of the group by allowing them to dress in their native attire. 

“Your boldness in sharing unique identities fosters an environment of appreciation, understanding, and harmony within our school community,” the caption read.

The school also does its best to help its students, even outside of matters of education. On July 8th, for example, the school offered free haircut services for students who would be attending the upcoming graduation, recognition, and moving-up ceremonies.

They have also discussed in the past their Teachers Outreach Program, which was created as a means of helping their students with disabilities. Here they help their students not only by teaching them lessons but also by giving them personal attention, educational materials, and food, all tailored to whatever they may need.

Through their many acts of kindness, this school proves that when it comes to education, no one should be left behind.