School-Community Partnership Amid Covid-19

Jemima Joy A. Agustin

"It takes a village to raise a child" as an old proverb says. Every stakeholder plays an important role in the educational system. Teachers are not the only individuals who are responsible for teaching the children and making them life-long learners and globally competitive citizens, but everyone in the community. Schools must take full advantage of the help that the community can offer, especially now that the world has been facing the COVID-19 pandemic that brought massive changes.

Every stakeholder plays a different, significant role in managing schools. Parents, alumni, local government units, non-government organizations, private entities, and the community as a whole are the stakeholders in the education system. They are partners of educational leaders in making teaching and learning conducive schools. Their active participation in school activities, programs, and projects is their responsibility in the achievement of the learning outcomes.

This year's Brigada Eskwela, with the slogan "Bayanihan para sa Paaralan", will focus on partnerships to strengthen the implementation of various blended learning modalities and support initiatives for schools, teachers, and learners. Brigada Pagbasa is reinforced as a part of this event. It is a reading program that brings together education partners and experts to help learners read and become functionally literate.

Establishing a strong, healthy relationship with stakeholders is inevitable to achieve the educational goals of the school. This will enable everybody to harmoniously work together to make learning continue in the face of the challenges posed by COVID-19 situation. Their perceptions and understanding can help motivate children to keep on learning in the comfort of their homes.

Their role should also be clarified to them and what contribution it is expected to make. Recognizing and rewarding their participation will also make them feel important and that their efforts are not in vain. The sense of shared responsibility and success can help build lasting relationship.

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The author is Teacher I at Baliti Elementary School