POVERTY AND BASIC EDUCATION

JEANNIEFFER R. DAVID

Basic education is the most important education for people of all ages. The main objectives of basic education are to provide opportunities for all to learn and to understand general knowledge useful for their lives in the changing society; to instill in them the eagerness to learn, the skills in acquiring knowledge and understanding about themselves, the care to conserve the natural environment, religion, arts and culture; to enable them to work well with others and survive in the changing society so that they can lead good lives and being valuable members of the society. However, there are perennial problems need to be resolved. Aside from the usual problems like lack of classrooms, books, chairs, teaching materials, modules among others, there are still issues that our country faces.

The financial burdens on the part of the parents of sending their children to schools is one key issue. Undeniably expected income practical and financial difficulties become the major factor why children eventually stop in their studies. Many children begin to work, instead of going to school, just to augment their daily expenses. Especially the K to 12 curriculum is now being implemented, many parents feel anxiety about the costs it may entail to their children even though the education is said to be free. Other expenses such as transportation, allowance, food, school projects and other school expenses would still burden families and take up a significant portion of the family budget. What use does a more “enjoyable” learning experience have when the student cannot even afford to go to school due to his or her financial woes? Drop-out rates, repeaters, and overcrowded classes are some of the results of this consequently. Thus, poverty stays the biggest challenge in providing quality basic education to the youths.

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The author is Teacher III at Angeles City Senior High School