A Fish In A Tree

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it is stupid,” Albert Einstein said it. Just like the quote says, children are capable of learning; we just can’t force everyone to learn in the same ways or others. It will never work. In spite of the collective efforts and having a law for this, the SPED children need more support, investment in resources, and funding. While the government acts upon these issues, the youth should also exert effort in supporting them in the best ways possible, such as by organizing campaigns, participating in organizations that fund and invest in this program, and encouragement in pursuing careers that will soon be helping SPED children.

We are not so sure how safe it is for disabled children, since some are considered “fragile” by other children, making it hard for them to make friends and leading them to think they’re outcasts. Student-led clubs and organizations must take responsibility for leading their fellow youth to participate in programs such as monthly celebrated programs, awareness campaigns, and other activities that both protect and support SPED children. The authorities should allow youth organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and awareness campaigns to happen more, not just when they’re needed or celebrated. The youth have a voice and the power to give sound to those who are silenced. Everyone deserves quality and inclusive education, no matter how and if they can stand, see, hear, speak, and think. Edu- cation is a basic human right that everyone should have equal access to. Everyone must support SPED programs because all students, and teachers are set to achieve Goal 4 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Just this December 9, 2022, Abasola (2022) from the Philippine News Agency reported, “DepEd has enough funds to strengthen the SPED mandate.” This was just enough to convert the known SPED centers into Inclusive Learning Resource Centers for Learners with Disabilities (ILRC). From ‘zero budget’ last September is only progress. With funding now settled, though still not enough, we can now think about the lack of SPED teachers. The data from the Department of Education office of Senator Win Gatchallan shows that there are an average of 4,000 SPED teachers.

The youth can also take part in this, especially those who are wanting to pursue teaching one day. Those who have the heart and are willing to teach these children can take courses to soon work for SPED centers.

The youth have a role in being a gateway for others who were deprived of the chance to have access to education. We have the power to shape the future, ensuring that no child is left behind. One of many is promoting inclusion so that others have equal opportunities to learn. The SPED children are also young minds, and some are capable of learning.

With safe spaces in and outside schools, organizations that help this program, and young souls who want to take the role in educating these children, the SPED program will continue to grow. Inclusivity and ensuring that they have quality education are major factors in achieving quality education by 2030.