It
has already been months since The Political Science Forum visited the residents
of Ministry of Urban Poor in Caloocan to bring joyful yet meaningful project regarding Basic Education. The Organization, with its own aim of engaging
people to a broader understanding of politics, plot this informative project to
provide an aid to the community with the goal of teaching them basic education
that would enhance their skills not only in reading and analysis but also in
terms of writing formal letters. It is a continuous
advocacy of the organization to share knowledge to other people and enhance
their skills for them to know their rights as citizens, to prevent the abuse of
power, and most importantly, to promote social change. Hopefully with this
project, the beneficiaries would become critical thinkers in different
political engagement within their community as they are already conscious of
the true interests of political actors.
And
now here we are, the busiest day for each Community Development Coordinator,
the implementation day. November 10, 2019 was the final chosen date as there
had been cancellations in the pasts due to uncertain events. Things to be
brought were checked; the papers, materials for discussion, prize for games,
token, certificates, and most importantly, the food. Volunteers and students
were more than excited to be part of the chosen community even only for a day.
The bus arrived at the location of the event and we were astonished that the
participants were younger than expected. However, it did not become a problem
as subtle changes have already been made; actually, the enjoyment starts here.
As the participants were mostly teenagers, it was easy to caught their
attentions and make them participate in the games we prepared. We played “Pinoy
Henyo,” we danced Chicken dance, and we even had a small pageant show to know
them more and to remove their timidness so they can be comfortable with us.
After several minutes, the seminar begins. The talk was about reading and
analysis. Personally, I thought the participants would be bored during the
discussion but, I was more delighted that they actively participated, raising
their hands to engage in the discussion. They were more than willing to learn
about this basic education. Moreover, sharing of experiences was also became
part of the event so further insights would be attained regarding the
participants. As the discussion ended, it was the time to evaluate their
learning; context analysis had been prepared for their workshop. The
participants were divided into 4 groups with a volunteer per group for
assistance to analyze the given news article. The workshop was meant to check
their understanding of the importance of reading and analysis in their everyday
lives. Each and every one wrote their insights about the text and shared it
within the group. 30 minutes was given for them and after that, one representative
per group was tasked to explain what they have learned in front of everyone;
each representative had simultaneously gone in front to explain their
understanding of the article. As they explain, TPSF Commdevt committee were already satisfied of the
outcome of this project even 1st phase was only accomplished. Even
for a short time of discussion, they were close to achieve the aim of this
whole project with their presentation. The seminar ended with smiles on their
face while they were eating their lunch. Not only had the participants had fun
as they have said in their evaluation forms, as the coordinators and adviser of
TPSF also attained their desire outcome. We took several pictures for souvenirs
and some would like to add us on Facebook for more conversations and interactions
in the future. We never bid goodbye as we promised that we will return for the
continuation of the 2nd and 3rd phase of the project.
Sadly, continuation has been postponed due to the pandemic that cost us to stay
at home for a while. Nevertheless, the memories from the MUP community would be
cherished as we would not forget them but will be more than proud if they
sustain the project and keep it in their mind as they grow older and be a
person with a name someday; they may forget the people but not the shared
knowledge inclined to that seminar.
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