What’s in a school?
IT’S August and I am eagerly looking forward to my annual feast of the sweetest and most succulent crabs on earth. It’s also our traditional visit to an elementary school that was almost forgotten for good, until my husband and some family friends who once called it home committed to rescue it from decay and oblivion. It has sprung back, five years since, and will celebrate its 80th anniversary this month.
The school was established by a group of Chinese migrants, among them my father-in-law, in Catarman, Northern Samar, which, at the time, was practically isolated from civilization. Brick by brick, and with the solid support of the local Filipino-Chinese community, the school flourished and became known for affordable quality education. It welcomed everyone, regardless of race, religion, and origin.
But the times and circumstances changed. The affluent started sending their children to Manila or neighboring localities becoming citified; the less so, to public schools which had begun to expand. Soon, enrollment at the school dwindled considerably, and its patrons lost interest in further supporting it. Five or so years ago, it came to the brink of closure.
My husband and his siblings, who all went to the school, would have none of it. For them, it was a legacy of their father and all the men who dared to dream of equipping their children with the one basic right that was denied them in their time -- a good education. They came to the Philippines in their youth with practically no schooling and were immediately confronted by the dire consequences of such a deprivation. They vowed that their children would not suffer the same fate nor, for that matter, any other child who desired to be educated. Inspite of their financial difficulties, they sustained the school’s mission and vision.
With like-minded scions of the founders, some alumni and friends, a foundation was set up to bring back the school to its feet. Enrollment has tripled since. Its facilities have been beefed up, its curriculum updated in keeping with the times, and learning resources have been upgraded. More teachers have been engaged. On its anniversary, it will break ground for a new building – sourced from generous benefactors - to allow for a full K-12 program and provide for more and better facilities. Calling all alumni to please attend this special milestone on August 27!
Yet, tuition and other school fees have remained constant from five years ago, at rates that can hardly even cover teachers’ salaries. The school’s upkeep relies mainly on donations and sponsorships. While there are plans to increase tuition incrementally, it will be far from enough. The overriding mission is to continue with the founders’ vision of providing affordable quality education, and if that will take a leap of great faith to make it happen, be certain that the die has been cast. Already, high caliber experts are putting together a strategy for viability and sustainability, gratis et amore.
In a school is power waiting to be harnessed – the power to transform lives into productive and responsible citizens, the power to cross over from poverty and mediocrity to abundance and excellence. And in this school in rustic Catarman, the power of vision, commitment, purpose, and self-giving is making it all possible. Truly, it takes a village to educate a child.