By Alyanna Cariño

On the first week of September, classes opened for the Sama Bajau Activity Center in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City and in the Angiskul Ma Bangka Child Development Center in Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City. It’s that time of the year again when the classrooms come alive with vibrant energy. This year, we are very happy to see almost a threefold increase in our enrollments as we welcome a total of 151 students! It’s a time of fresh beginnings, and the promise of growth, where our Sama-Bajau learners will set out on a path of culturally relevant education, while embracing the opportunities that education brings.

 

BRIGADA ESKWELA

Prior to the opening of classes, our teachers devoted their time and effort to Brigada Eskwela as part of the preparations for the new school year. In the Sama Bajau Activity Center, the teachers did an inventory of the educational materials and a thorough cleaning of the classroom. On the other hand, the teachers and parents of the Angiskul ma Bangka worked together for the Bayanihan Bulilit, where they cleaned and prepared the classrooms for the school opening.

ENROLLMENTS & OPENING OF CLASSES – PARANAQUE
For this school year, we are excited to welcome a total of 28 Sama-Bajau learners to the Activity Center. Among these students, there are 18 girls and 10 boys, falling within the age range of 3-12 years old. Our Activity Center also offers tutorials for 13 of our Sama-Bajau preschool graduates, who are now in Kinder and in Grade School.

For the first week of classes, Teacher Marilyn didn’t immediately dive into formal lessons, as she opted for a lighter approach to engage the learners. The aim is to prevent the learners from feeling overwhelmed. A typical day begins with Arrival Time, where the teachers wait for their learners and greet them with kumustahans. Once everyone is settled, Teachers Marilyn and Teacher Faida lead the students together in a morning prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. Following this is Circle Time, an interactive session that includes self-introduction, art activities, some singing, dancing, snack time and playtime. Each day is wrapped up with exchanged goodbyes among the teachers and the students.

ENROLLMENTS & OPENING OF CLASSES – ZAMBOANGA
While we are happy to have seen off 29 learners who graduated last school year, we are more excited to welcome a total of 110 Sama-Bajau learners to the Angiskul ma Bangka for this school year! Among these students, there are 59 boys and 51 girls. The learners fall within the age range of 3 to 7 years old.

Like our Parañaque teachers, Teacher Relinda and Teacher Suraya also focused more on orienting and engaging the learners for the opening of classes so as not to overwhelm them. Typically, their class starts with Arrival Time, where the learners find their seats and wait for their classmates. This is followed by an Opening Prayer and singing of the National Anthem.

Afterwards, there is a brief Kumustahan and singing and dancing to nursery rhymes. Following this is the topic introduction and Activity Time. After the activities, the learners are given a chance to recharge with a well-deserved snack break and nap time. Then, it’s time for Circle Time, where the learners enjoy a short storytelling session. Finally, the day ends with Goodbye Time that includes a closing prayer and singing, leaving the children with a day filled with learning and fun.

We at Cartwheel Foundation are all very delighted not only because of the smooth start to the school year but also due to the significant increase in enrollments. In the heart of our collective efforts lies the promise of hope and future filled with opportunities for indigenous peoples. Together, we can forge a path towards positive change and sustainable progress!