i-Witness: ‘Walang Maiiwan’, dokumentaryo ni Kara David (full episode)

Summary

In San Guillermo, Isabela, students face daily hardships just to attend school. They cross dangerous rivers and hike through muddy mountains, reflecting their determination to pursue education despite harsh conditions. Teachers, like Sir Jun, go above and beyond, even visiting homes to convince parents to let their children study. The video highlights stories of children like Marvin and Aquino, who struggle between helping their families and pursuing their dreams. The narrative showcases the tireless efforts of teachers to ensure no child is left behind, despite challenges of poverty and distance.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ Students in San Guillermo, Isabela face dangerous conditions crossing a river daily just to attend school.
• 🌱 After crossing the river, students walk for an hour through muddy mountains to reach Burgos East Elementary School.
• 👟 Children often share shoes, and some go barefoot after their footwear breaks on the muddy path.
• 🏫 Many students suffer from wounds and infections due to harsh conditions, and teachers provide basic medical care in class.
• 🍛 Students share small portions of food, such as a single can of sardines, highlighting the severe poverty they face.
• 📚 Marvin, the oldest student in Kindergarten at 10 years old, frequently misses school to care for his siblings.
• 📝 A significant dropout rate is caused by children being forced to work in farms once they learn basic literacy.
• 🌾 Top-performing students, like Aquino, are also dropping out to help their families with farming and livestock care.
• 🏥 Another student, Ricky, missed weeks of school to support his family after his father died and his mother fell ill.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers like Sir Jun go beyond their duties, visiting students' homes to encourage their return to school, despite difficult circumstances.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge faced by students of Burgos East Elementary School in attending classes?

The students face a dangerous river crossing and a long, muddy hike through mountainous terrain to reach school.

Why do the children have to cross the river and hike every day?

The elementary school is located far from their village, and the river and muddy terrain are the only routes they can take to attend school.

What does the teacher do to assist the students during their school day?

The teacher, Sir Jun, helps by cleaning the students' wounds, which they often get from walking long distances barefoot or with damaged shoes.

Why are some students, like Marvin, unable to attend school regularly?

Many students are forced to stay home to take care of their younger siblings or help their families with labor, such as gathering firewood or working in the fields.

What is the dropout rate issue mentioned in the script?

Burgos East Elementary School faces a high dropout rate because many students, especially those who can read and write, leave school to work and help their families.

How does Sir Jun try to address the issue of students dropping out?

Sir Jun visits the homes of students who have dropped out to convince their parents to send them back to school, stressing the importance of education.

Why did the top student, Aquino Ginip, stop attending school?

Aquino stopped attending school because he had to help his family by pasturing their carabao (water buffalo), and he felt more needed at home.

What are the living conditions of the students like, as described in the video?

The students live in impoverished conditions, often sharing one pair of slippers among siblings, and bringing minimal food to school, such as rice shared with a small portion of sardines.

Why is Marvin considered one of the oldest students in kindergarten?

Marvin, at 10 years old, is still in kindergarten because he has had to repeat the grade multiple times due to frequent absences from school.

What motivates Sir Jun to continue his efforts despite the challenges?

Sir Jun is motivated by his commitment to ensuring no child is left behind in education, despite not receiving any extra pay for his efforts.