NSTP Fieldwork Reflection

On August 31, 2014, we had our fieldwork in Nueva Ecija. We were tasked to teach the kids the four Filipino Values, it sounded easy at first but we have never been so wrong. We thought that this would be a simple job. I honestly had a hard time dealing with the little boys than the girls, they were always moving and playing. Catching their attentions was the hardest, getting them to behave came next.
 The group decided to split the discussion and use a star system to keep the kids focused. If the kid answers a question correctly, he/she gets a star. Because of the star system, they listened to the discussion and participated in the activity. We assigned ourselves to different kids, in order to monitor their work during activity time. I was in a pinch since I was the only girl in the group and the girls wanted me to look after them. A few really got clingy, but I didn't mind. It was actually quite fun.

While on the bus on the way home, I realized why the kids were behaving like that. I was a kid once and I gave everyone a really bad migraine whenever I start trolling them. But the thing different with these children compared to the children here in the city, they weren't too dependent on technology being the source of fun. I saw them enjoying each other's company, playing by the field and swimming beside the school. The smiles painted on their faces were priceless.

I realized that I was luckier than them. They are facing poverty and their parents are doing whatever they can to give them what they deserve. But sadly, these are only borderline good enough compared to what we have in the city. Poverty hinders these people to achieve what they should have. Upon seeing their classrooms, clothes and area (not that I am judging but I think I am), they are optimizing with what little they have yet sometimes it is never enough. Good thing the NSTP program is there to help the people in far and rural places. I think that the help they get from the students and the awareness of the students with matters like this can change their situation one day. For now, the government should do immediate action for the people who live far away from the city. From what I've noticed, the people living in the provinces are least prioritized by the government. It shouldn't be like that.

The fieldwork served as an eye opener for me. I am luckier than those kids and as much as possible, I would like to share what I have with them. I am grateful towards my parents for giving me more than enough and I hope one day these kids will have more resources and help. I thank NSTP for giving me the opportunity to experience and enjoy this experience. We're really looking forward to the next fieldwork! :)