The “Free Basic Education for KIDS” Program

Written by: Rene J. Siraji 

Photos by: Muktar Jamud

    In our time now and in the present situation of our country, the phrase “right to free education” doesn’t apply anymore – it is more known now as a privilege.

    Availability to quality education is expensive, exclusive only to those fortunate who can afford it and to those not (poor families, indigenous and those people who live way below down the poverty line), it is a sad thing that it became something that they could only dream about.

    More children in particular are affected by this dilemma, which results to numerous violations and deprivations of their rights, like: child prostitution, child labor and etc. where they are force to do so due to the circumstances of their life.

    Seeing these kids not going to school, realizing that they don’t even know the ABCs and counting the 123s, and knowing that these kids already lost their hopes of getting an education, provokes an alarming question “What would be the future of their generation?”

    With all the best that we could do, slowly we are answering the call.

    We at the MYM created the “Free Basic Education for KIDS” program to give those less fortunate kids a chance to experience what every child should have – education.

    It is an on-going program which gives free basic education to poor little kids’ ages 3 to 10 years old. The program offers basic lessons in Math, English & Basic Arabic Language. To fully equip our young students we also give them free notebooks, pencils, papers and ball pens (We are also planning to give them bags in the near future, but as of the moment we are still gathering all of our resources because bags are expensive.). Lastly, to complete their experience of being a student we also give them free snacks for their RECESS.

    The pilot launched of the program was on April 11, 2010 in a poor community in Ruste Riverside, San Roque, Zamboanga City. It began with 39 little students and classes happening during the weekends. With the program there still continuous and with the community’s positive responds, now the total number of students have increased to 65.

    We are planning of extending the program to different poor and marginalized communities in the city, but as of the moment we are still in preparation and still raising our resources.

Little Spidey having his pen and notebook

Muktar Jamud serving the kids during the RECESS. (yehey!!)

Classes are held only  under a Nipa Hut (at someone's own garden who volunteered to offer his place), but still kids are excited to learn.

Kids forming a line for the RECESS.

GOTCHA !

      Let’s help these kids nurture their young minds and make a beautiful and progressive future a possibility for them.

      We at the MYM accept donations in the form of school supplies like: notebooks (used ones will do), papers, pencils, ball pens, erasers, sharpeners, illustrative teaching materials (used ones will do), Black boards, chalks, coloring pens, etc. and snacks. Just feel free to contact Muktar Jamud at +639067011646. 

      Thank you.