More education and fewer bricks in the wall

The charcoal stove flickers into life before dawn in Pembo, Makati, and the rice cooker begins to gurgle.  So begins another mother’s day of preparation to take her children through the day. The youngest rubs her eyes in the gloom and sets off for the tricycle ride to school laden with a heavy rucksack. The eldest pretends not to notice the noise and dozes off, for hers is the second shift of the day. On her way out to work in Forbes Park, the mother is reminded of the need to buy Ukay Ukay shoes for school. On the long dining table, she sets out the second breakfast of the day in the hope that her charges will eat at least one of the choices on offer before they are driven to one of Manila’s finest Church schools. The children take little notice of their yaya as they consider which pair of shoes to wear.

Scenes like these are played out daily in the Philippines but not everyone is able to continue in education. A lifetime opportunity is lost. Investment in classrooms is trying to catch up with the  demands of a high birth rate. There are fewer shifts in school than I recall when I first visited Manila 12 years ago. Some class sizes, though, seem just as large with over 60 in each room. Teachers focus on the need to improve NAT scores for that is their metrics of success. In the Malthusian chase for survival, there is little time to check on the back markers.

The need for reform is recognised and the K to 12 plan will mean that Filipino children will have the same period of learning as others in a fast moving world.  Educators in the Philippines care about outcomes and the dedication of teachers is very apparent even in the most challenging environments. Opposition to change amongst some is through the narrow lens of their academic status rather than student wellbeing. 16 is far too young to be at university. Universities are places where students need to go beyond learning by rote. They need to acquire depth of knowledge, apply wisdom, challenge thought and learn to express themselves assertively. That requires maturity. Through the British Council, the UK is working with the Philippine government on learning options at school, vocational training and further education.

Filipinos have to take additional courses to qualify for study in other countries. For a very few number of people, the international schools bridge the qualification gap. But by their very nature, the character of the schools have to remain foreign rather than local. In a country like the Philippines, which has multifaceted links to the global economy, this sector has to grow and it has to be nurtured. For all schools, investment in English, fit for the workplace, is vital for the Philippines. It is an essential part of the toolkit if the full potential of the country is to be released. We continue to support the development of English here.

I was taken aback when I first heard that the Constitution of the Philippines forbids a foreign national from teaching in mainstream educational institutions. Unlike China, Malaysia and Singapore, foreign universities cannot open in the country. In jest, I say to my Pinoy friends, why not go the whole way and ban foreign books and knowledge too! The fear of job losses in the profession is misplaced. More jobs are created by new universities. It is a cheaper option than sending children to study abroad and there are greater scholarship options. I know property developers who are willing to invest in state of the art campuses in the Philippines.

We are now just days away from when once again the UK opens up applications for fully funded Chevening Scholarships for masters degrees. We aim to exceed our target of 30 for the coming year with additional Newton scholarships. Scholars are keeping their pledge to return and make an immediate contribution to the future of the Philippines. Ordinary students from diverse backgrounds are a part of our growing alumni. Any course, any ancient, red brick or modern university, it is your call. Check out www.chevening.org and www.britishcouncil.ph/programmes/newton-fund

Everyone can dream. The role of government is to open up opportunities. The hope that is in the heart of every parent is like the first flame that lights up the dawn in Pembo. And at the end of the working day, when the working mother returns and casts her loving eyes on her children fast asleep on the floor mats, her wishes for a better future for them should not be diminished. There is a need for more bricks for buildings that open minds and fewer walls to hold back potential.

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(Asif Ahmad is the British Ambassador to the Philippines).