Monday, March 10, 2008 Learning trade skill is fun for school kids
SHIELA Mae had just delivered their freshly baked cookies when I arrived at the office of Gedeliza Salagyan in Amir Bara Lidasan National High School, Parang, Maguindanao. Together with her classmates, they baked the cookies in time for the afternoon snacks, which they will sell at one peso a piece.
From just cooking hot cakes, fried and boiled bananas whenever there are special occasions; school children at Amir Bara Lidasan National High School can now prepare simple baked products using bakery equipment provided to the school.
"Nalipay ko kay kamao na ko magluto ug cookies (I'm happy because I already know how to bake cookies)," Shiela Mae Tañaga, a first year high school student said.
"Sa una, hot cake lang ang akong nahibal-an lutuon, karon kamao na ko maghimo ug cookies, egg pie, cheese bread ug pan de sal" (Before, I only know how to cook hot cakes, now I can bake cookies, cheese bread, egg pie and pan de sal), she added.
"Sa umpisa, kinakabahan ako baka masunog yung niluluto ko" (At first, I feel nervous thinking that what I'm baking would be over-cooked), Myra, Shiela's classmate also said. "Pero natuto na rin ako kung paano talaga magluto (However, I learned slowly how it is to bake correctly)," she added.
Their skills in preparing homemade delicacies have been enhanced with the assistance of qualified teachers, who were trained in teaching technology and livelihood education (TLE) in the class.
"They can already detect that something is lacking in the recipe by its appearance and texture", said Salagyan, the TLE teacher.
"They enjoyed baking, as if they were just playing as they put the dough in the tray," Evangeline Gepte de Viejo, another TLE teacher also stressed.
Learning new skills has been challenging to the school children.
"I can teach others what I learned here," Shiela Mae confidently said. She explained that recipes are simple and easy to learn with.
"Sana turuan din kami paano magluto ng ibat-ibang uri ng tinapay (I hope we will also be taught how to bake different kinds of bread)," she added.
"Subukan ko magnegosyo kahit konti (I will sell some at home and try a small business)," Mary Grace Luzano said. "Salamat po sa pagtuturo sa amin...sana ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagtulong sa amin (Thank you very much for teaching us, I hope you will continue helping us)," she added.
Students who also learned carpentry skills took time repairing wooden seats and broken windows.
"They were the ones who helped put the window grill where the TLE equipment are deposited. They conducted some carpentry works to make it look good," said de Viejo.
The assistance package to the school consisted of dressmaking/sewing equipment, baking/cooking tools, carpentry, and steel fabrication equipment.
Some 23 teachers were also trained on the various trade skills to be able to impart effectively, the desired skills preferred by the students. These are baking and cooking, dressmaking, carpentry, welding, and basic electricity.
Skills being taught are in line with what is in demand or needed in the locality, taking into consideration employability and opportunities available.
Designed to help high school students acquire practical skills and use it productively, the TLE aid package was provided by United Way International (UWI) and implemented in the area by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the Mindanao Integrated Network Development Center, Inc. (Mind), PTCA (parents, teachers and community association) at Amir Bara Lidasan National High School in Parang, Maguindanao.
Seven other schools in Maguindanao were also provided with TLE equipment. These are: Talayan National High School, S.K. Pendatun National High School, Datu Usngan Mastura National High School, Sultan Mastura National High School, Matanog National High School, Datu Udtog Matalam National High School and Sarilikha National High School.
Five high schools in Basilan were also recipients of TLE equipment and trainings. These are: Concepcion National High School, Jacinto Cuevas National High School, Colonia National High School, Ubit National High School and Lamitan National High School in Basilan.
Given the chance and right equipment to use, school children in Mindanao's conflict-affected and depressed areas could rise above poverty using the skills they acquire in school.
