MY AETA LEARNERS
Abraham M. Cruz
I have witnessed the discrimination towards our Aeta brothers and sisters as a I grow old. It reminds me seeing them for the first time and thinking that they look like the ones being describe by my teacher on grade schools: short, flat-nosed, curly, and dark-skinned. And people may called them “Baluga”. I have always considered being called “Baluga” is an offensive language. Apparently, they weren’t as naïve as we were taught to believe they are. Though we’re probably a step ahead because they live in the mountains by choice, they are never two steps behind.
It is always my dream to teach and be challenged in teaching Aetas for I believed teaching is not always one way but a two way process wherein we could learn to each other. I kept telling myself that they are just like us: they need to learn, and so they must be taught. I was task to teach Basic Literacy Program especially among out-of-school adult. I have seen the willingness to learn among them and the enthusiasm. All the doubts that crept in my mind were lost when I saw them, waiting giddily for the lessons to start. It excites me to impart my knowledge that may help on their daily living. The smiles on their faces on that was contagious. I think I smiled the whole time when we were introducing ourselves to one another. I have to tell you now, you need to meet them. Their readiness to learn will encourage you to be in school. They are an inspiration to us who don’t always feel like attending classes.
We don’t always appreciate how lucky we are since we have an array of great opportunities and progresses brought by technology until it is lost. Or until we get to spend time with them who live gladly with what nature can offer. We don’t see education’s worth until we are faced with people who have been deprived of it for years that they forget they are old enough to be the teacher’s teacher when it is offered to them. I commend and thank the Alternative Learning System for this kind of opportunity that I may give and receive even just the basic lessons to and from the Aeta learners.
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The author is Teacher III at San Miguel Elementary School, Magalang North
District