In Maguindanao, Teacher Rides Horse, Carabao to Deliver Vital Learning Modules to Remote Students

Guindulungan, Maguindanao—Esmael Rahman, 38, left his house early morning on Friday to receive the last batch of bond papers and ink supplies so he could print learning modules for his students.

As classes reopened in public schools on Monday, October 5, Rahman traveled for four hours, renting a horse ride for P500 to reach the remote farming community in Maringen where his 180 grade school learners await him.

He traveled for another four hours to get back home after delivering the learning modules for his students.

Esmael reaches the village of Maringen through a carabao cart ride or if he has more resources, he rents a horse to deliver learning materials to his students. (Photo grabbed, with permission, from Esmael Rahman’s FB profile)

On World Teachers’ Day, Save the Children Philippines honors the heroism of teachers like Rahman who are committed to provide support to children and youth’s access to quality, inclusive education amid the pandemic, particularly those living in deprived and hard to reach communities.

Rahman joins today some 780,000 public school teachers to welcome learners attending classes through online, modular, and home schooling methods.

The journey through the village of Maringen involves crossing hills and rivers. It usually takes four hours to reach the remote village. (Photo grabbed, with permission, from Esmael Rahman’s FB profile)

“We salute teachers’ selfless work and strong determination to support the continuity of learning of children and youth amid school closure due to the health risks of COVID-19,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

Muyot said teachers are important partners in promoting peace education in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Save the Children Philippines supports the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the program: Korea Trust Fund – Improving Teaching Competencies to Harness the Full Learning Potential of Children in Maguindanao (KTF-iTEACH) funded by the World Bank.

Rahman is one of the 60 teachers who were trained to integrate peace education in the curriculum so students from Maguindanao can learn the values of compassion and empathy.

Earlier in the year, Esmael had to visit Maringen for a couple of times to conduct a house-to-house registration of students who are usually left out in terms of having access to basic education and learning materials. (Photo grabbed, with permission, from Esmael Rahman’s FB profile)

The child rights organization also partnered with the Department of Education to implement the Sustaining Education Reform Gains (SERG) to train public school teachers to effectively manage the learning needs of children and youth with disabilities, promote gender equality and social inclusion in education.

The SERG program, with the support of the Australian government, also provides professional development and psycho-social support to effectively manage online and modular learning methods under the new normal.

Press Release from Save the Children Philippines