Come In to Learn, Go Out to Behave
I was saddened with the periodical examination test results of my student at Asilo. Three of them expressed their sadness on getting low scores after their teachers gave their test papers. What we did today was to discuss and check what we missed during our study period. While reading their test papers, I remembered Likto’s complain to me last week about going to school. ‘Likto was one of the participants of HESL. He took two unfinished courses and this time, with another vocational course. He seems to be dismayed with the idea of going to school just for the benefit of having a good job someday, or at least to be employed in the future. He has a point, I think.
My concern for higher grades for the children were for them to learn more and have brighter future. And yet, it also points out the idea of ‘Likto. When I was still a primary pupil, our school motto, “Come in to learn, go out to behave,” made a good impression to me. It was not to learn, earn a degree and get a better and competitive job later on. If it is a secondary reason, then the idea is reasonable.
As a future Marist educator, I believe that it is more than getting a degree and be successful but to tap the students’ capability that he or she may be able to express his or herself to the full, not really in competition but to be a creative and productive individual in the society, in general; contented and happy with the career. Few weeks ago, I received my final grade for one of my major subjects and I was quite disappointed. It was my first time to receive a grade as low as 80. Seems that my teacher has a grudge against me. Though I gradually accepted my grade, I still yearn for higher ones 
The children I am with are understandable that they are also experiencing pressures of being away from their real families, have unfulfilled longings to be with their parents and other siblings since most of them are orphans. High grades are not their main goal but to live a normal life just like the other children who go to the same school. I believe in their dreams, I believe them. giving them assurance and affirmation about their unique talents and capacities, give them initial motivation to study well, not only to aim for higher grades but to be good citizens of our country.
We may say that education system here in the Philippines is deteriorating. But we have still the :hope” to inculcate in the minds of these young children. Though there are teachers who don’t really know how to formulate or make valid test items (I’m holding my students’ test questionnaires with lots of errors and invalid types of items right now), we can help them by doing follow ups and sharing our precious time, making study time a fun and not a boring one
As of this time, we need more volunteers for tutorials. We are looking for people who are willing and have dedication to share their talents, time and resources. Most of all, people with passion in teaching children, who believe that every children has the right for good and quality education. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to contact us by email or at 09186633823 
