Invest in the children

A lot has been said and written about the poor education of children in the Philippines but very little to none has been done to correct this deplorable situation in order to tackle the problem once and for all.

Children must be given high priority in plans for social reconstruction as they constitute the wealth of the country. By directing their energy to proper channels, the physical and mental health of the entire community can be improved.

As I said and repeated in many occasions, the parents, educators and teachers should not ignore the following trilogy:

Education - Formation - Transformation

As long as these three basic principles will be ignored, a change cannot be expected in the existing structures.

First of all, the education of children will have to be based not only on moral values but also in spiritual values. As they progress in life, they will develop those fundamental education bases enabling them to get the needed formation which will give them awareness and motivation to reach transformation.

Always give the children the true values of:

Love your country.

Be proud of yourselves.

Honesty first.

Respect always.

Education starts at home. This is an important factor too often ignored in our society. Sometimes, neither homes nor schools offer adequate opportunities for expressing the real talent, knowledge and energy of the children.

Children must be given priority for participating to programs for social reconstruction. In failing to do so, there is no progress. You go nowhere. Worst, you go backward.

Do remember:

1. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverb 22:6)

2. “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.”

(Nelson Mandela)

3. “He who will open school door, closes a prison.” (Victor Hugo)

4. “It has been said that if a boy has not acquired an apostolic spirit at the age of 14,his faith is in danger.” (Lumen Gentium - The obligation of the apostolate)