In response to the challenge posed by Education Secretary Armin Luistro, the 150 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) trainees of the Department of Education recently organized an exhibit showcasing ideal kindergarten classrooms. The exhibit is in preparation for the implementation of universal kindergarten this S.Y. 2011-2012. Universal kindergarten is the first phase of DepEd’s education reform agenda, K to 12. The program requires all five-year olds to go through kindergarten in public schools. “Since the goal of expanding the coverage of preschool education is to better prepare our young learners, we believe that part of this preparation should be to ensure that the learning process inside the classroom will be fun for the young learners. Classroom set-up should be able to attract kids to learn and value education given their young age,” said Luistro. Five groups constructed miniature classrooms, reflecting child-friendly environment filled with storybooks, puzzles, and toys. Designs were mainly based on concepts such as fairytales and fables. Asked on how the exhibit was managed despite conflicting office schedules, SPES trainee Marielle Pigtain said, “Cooperation among group members is extremely important. We also make it a point that every member will be allowed by their respective offices to spend their vacant hours decorating the “classroom”. Our group also devised “shifting” hours so that all group members will be able to attend to this special assignment without neglecting our office duties.” Meanwhile, zero-based budgeting scheme also allowed the students to tap their creativity and resourcefulness. “Karamihan sa mga materials na ginamit sa aming grupo ay recycled, tulad ng karton at mga used colored papers. May mga member rin na nagdala ng decorations na hindi na nila ginagamit sa bahay,” shared SPES trainee Manuela Balaguer. The SPES’ classroom exhibit assignment is the department’s way of encouraging the public, including the central office employees and the private sector, to actively involve themselves in the fulfillment of the government’s goal of providing every Filipino a brighter future through quality education. On top of this exhibit, Luistro headed a donation drive that aims to collect educational toys, books and materials which the incoming kindergarten pupils will use as part of their learning and interaction. “This project highlights two things. One, shortage has been the major problem of Philippine education, not because the Philippines is a poor country. It’s because we have not taken seriously the challenge to share and be part of the solution to the problems of public basic education. Two, this is a reality check for all of us to take on that challenge and realize the spirit of sharing and generosity because all of us are stakeholders of education,” furthered Luistro. The same message SPES trainee Enzo Vidal would want to share to those who would get the chance to see their outputs. He narrated that he sees the value of sharing and giving for the cause of education in this exhibit assignment. “This reminds us that education is a shared responsibility of everyone. Even we, students and out-of-school youths, in our own little ways, could do something for the betterment of our preschool education.” DepEd enjoins the public, including kids, to participate in this drive and allow kindergarten entrants in public schools to experience the quality and appropriate learning they deserve. |
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