We are so fortunate! This statement is not often read during these tough economic times, and living in Michigan, one of the hardest hit states in the country, we seldom read this as a headline. The truth be known, we are very, very fortunate. 2010 is a hallmark year for me in appreciation.
January 1, 2010, I traveled to the Philippines with a small group of adults from Jackson, Michigan. Our plan was to stay for two weeks at the Lingap Center orphanage. John Drake, founder and lead philanthropist for the center and his wife served as our guides, supported our learning about the Philippines, shared the culture, and offered us an opportunity to witness life and education in Cebu, Toledo City, Philippines.
We are fortunate. The average public school elementary classroom in Cebu, Toledo City has 75-90 students. Crowded, with no text books, and little resources, students who have some support to attend school, eagerly sit in classrooms, copying page after page of information to attain knowledge. Libraries with books to read are rare, and in fact, Drake created a small community library in the town so reading and resources are available.
We are fortunate. Water is not plentiful, in fact, at the Lingap Center, it was available only few hours a day, and we never knew quite when. Laundry, all completed by hand, was eagerly done by all youth, from five years old and up. Despite the slow and tedious process, young children went off to school, sparkling clean, and very proud to have a uniform.
We are fortunate. The unemployment rate in the Cebu, Toledo City is around 75 percent. Teachers, those with master’s degrees and beyond, are employed at McDonalds. Not only is McDonald’s service impeccably clean, as we visited such an American cuisine in a larger city, but also unique. Door greeters, table attending, and smiles occur on every workers face, pleased to be employed.
We are fortunate. Those of us who lived with the Lingap children were touched forever. These young children are so eager and the most enthusiastic students I have ever worked with. Learning was fun, learning was important, and learning was a passion for these young minds. We saw so much appreciation from these young people who have so little. The smallest deed for these young people resulted in a note, a hug, and always a huge thank you. Their ever bearing smile for each of us, with NO complaints ever, affirmed with us that, “things” are not the important part of life’s riches. Despite the heat, lack of water, living conditions, and poverty, all of us living at the orphanage felt so fortunate. Any child’s eagerness and happiness shared with another is one of the greatest gifts on earth. We saw many, many smiles.
We are fortunate. Despite the fact that we have poverty in the U.S., there are avenues of support, agencies that reach out, and means to make a difference, if we so choose. This is not the case in Cebu. Witnessing the living conditions during home visits of children reminded us all that we are living in a very rich country. And yes, we are fortunate.
We are fortunate. As educators, we are able to share with future teachers, the importance of culture, the importance of appreciation, the need for learning, and the necessity for teaching all. Our recent NACCTEP conference in Baltimore, Maryland underscored this message. Culture, diversity, and global education are necessary components in every pre-service community college teacher education program! We are fortunate. Let us take advantage of opportunities for ourselves and our students to grow and learn.
If you would like to know more about the Lingap Center please visit www.lingapcenter.org. |
