Education for All

John Louie L. Balingit

One of the promising goals and movements of United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the Education For All (EFA). The question is, is it still possible amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?

Most families were affected by the virus, not directly but indirectly. Individuals try do their best not to be infected by the virus but no one can escape its impact to their financial and psychological aspects.

It is true that the government is dedicated to make learning accessible for all, but in reality, there are still students who cannot afford to enroll even in a public school where the modality of learning is through free printed modules and online communication.

Parents lost their jobs due to the pandemic, making their family incapable of sustaining internet access and education. For eagerness to learn, some people opted to a lot their precious money to subscribe for mobile data. Mobile data that is unreliable and easily consumed. It may also become a factor that the learner won’t be able to give its 100% focus during the learning process.

Of course, schools have also visualized such concerns. So they come into the idea that those who are not capable for internet access, will be given printed Self Instructional Packets (SIPacks) which is designed for independent learning. But how these SIPacks be handed to the learners? The parents are required to pick up the SIPacks in school. In this case, the importance of localization implemented during the enrollment will be observed. Where transportation won’t so much be a burden for the family.

The Department of Education will use various modes to deliver learning to the learners at their home such as Home-Based Class Program with TV-Based Instruction, radio and YouTube channel.

The severity of the impact of pandemic differs in all of us. But nothing should stop a child eager to learn. Nothing should stop a child determined to achieve a dream. Nothing should stop a child for a brighter future. For we should know, regardless of the situation, education is for all!

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The author is Teacher I at Pampanga High School