Education is a Must for every 'JUAN'

Education is described in a variety of ways but it all boils down to its significance in the life of every Filipino, “for every Juan”.

According the great Aristotle, Education is an ornament and a refuge in adversity. This principle only means that by having acquired education, one can use it in earning a living through the knowledge and skills he had gained and at the same time, he could also use it in handling different situations, most especially the challenging ones.

For the late Nelson Mandela, an advocate of education and change, it is the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world. As through education, one gains knowledge and competence that he can use and must use in order to effect positive change in himself and in his community in general, thus, acting as an agent of positive change for the country and the world.

Education is the movement from darkness to light. Allan Blooms believes education to be as such. This simply attests that education is an avenue to take so as to transform individuals from illiteracy to literacy, where they can gain and discover knowledge and skills which they cause for their gains and for service to others. This is strongly affirmed by Marian Wright Endleman, when she quoted that education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it. This only talks about the one who can contribute and the legacy he could leave his society.

With such views on education by scholars, what must be then the right attitude for education if these authorities assert its importance in every person’s life? Students then must treat it with high regard and diligence as this will bring to them success and accomplishments. Teachers on the other hand must provide the best possible appropriate and quality education for their learners. Parents and the community in general should work collaboratively with the academe in providing support towards the provision of such quality education. Abigail Adams, with her view of education and learning in general, sums up the right paradigm every key person must have towards learning. According to her, it is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence as this is our main passport in securing a brighter future for all. As I firmly believe, education is a must for every Filipino and every one JUAN must enjoy it.

The author is Teacher I at Malino Integrated School.