By MARIFE D. FRANE*
THERE’S no hindrance or scarcity that can stop the will to educate young minds… Even at the face of the situation that there is no building that will shelter the pupils and the teacher, still, teaching-learning process will continue.
Temporary Learning Space, (TLS) is an improvised classroom constructed to house me and my 44 learners. It has been 6 challenging, yet gratifying experience, having this TLS as the home of my classes since December 2017. This was initiated as my former classroom was demolished and now under construction. And by the opening of classes on June 4, 2018, my Grade 5 learners and me, again, as we start the School Year, are hoping to gain new knowledge, skills and attitude here in our temporary classroom.
Inside our TLS, the learning process will never be sacrificed, even under a simple roof and wooden wall, in the absence of the comfort of a concrete building with comfort room and supply of electricity.
Though we are missing those comfort we used to enjoy, the tiled flooring, the white ceiling, the use of LED TV or projector in teaching, where my students can view videos and presentations, the means of learning don’t matter most. In the end, what is important is whether or not at the end of the day, I am happy because my pupils learn.
While occupying such Temporary Learning Space, we are facing two kinds of fear: fear in too much heat from the sun making us experience sweat all over our body and even fear that heavy rains might fell and make us soak in water.
But we choose to take all the risks, and all the chances, just to attain the desired product – the learning that I can give to my pupils.
When will the new building be finished for my 44 Grade 5 class to leave TLS and enjoy the comfort of a painted classroom with curtains, with all the materials and equipment? When will the new school building serve its purpose? We never know. We still rest our hope and confine ourselves patiently keeping our fingers crossed.
The heart of an educator knows no reason that can stop the noble mission of the profession to touch lives and make a change in every individual, making them productive citizens of the country. TLS – Truly, Love Strengthens me and keeps me going each day.|
*MARIFE D. FRANE is a Teacher III of the Department of Education – Batangas City Division station at Talumpok Silangan Elem. School
