TEACHING CHILDREN THE VALUE OF HEROISM

The author is Teacher

MARIA JANET S. EBORDA

Every now and then, we remember the Filipino heroes that shaped our nation, just like during the recent observance of National Heroes Day. We remember them, as what historians tell us, of their bravery that birthed our nation from the oppressive rule of our then colonial foes in the past.

In today’s education setting, it is imperative that we teach young students about our heroes, and more importantly, stress the importance of the value of heroism, one which cannot be found in school textbooks.

It is good that every year we commemorate Heroes Day. As there remain a big number of undocumented, “unsung” heroes in the past that contributed to the liberation of our country as much as those we already knew in the school textbooks. These heroes obviously did not come from Luzon, but in their regional homelands.

It is important that we remember heroism from time to time. Although the terms and essence are associated with fighting for a country’s liberty and engaging in battles, it also encompasses the selfless aspect of our humanity, something that people nowadays have blurred the lines of true service to the people.

It must be distinguished whether an act is genuinely done without something in return, a sacrifice perhaps that defines heroism in an individual, martyr or not.

Teachers must make children remember that heroism is not just for the undocumented and unsung true heroes of the past and in this modern time, who may not have born with privilege and power and wealth, but for everyone who makes selfless acts for the benefit of others. That in itself, is a real time definition of heroism young students should learn. — oOo— I at St. Vincent of Quebiawan Integrated School