What happens when there are no wrong answers?
In a nutshell, people recognize their potential.
In all my experiences teaching kids, I have never seen a group that shines as brightly as the Silid Aralan learners do.
In a typical school setting, students grow more comfortable to talk in front of their peers and teachers only as the classes and their relationships with them progress. But these learners immediately warmed up to us, a group of semi-strangers, and immersed themselves in every activity and discussion we had that day. Seeing their genuine eagerness and happiness to learn and participate has made me extremely thankful for being given the opportunity to create this workshop for them.
All throughout the event process, I had a particularly challenging time breaking down the ideas of a concept as big as freedom (and explaining it in the vernacular). I didn’t think I was credible and knowledgeable enough to be teaching such an important topic. I didn’t think I could do it, but I had no choice, so I just put my best foot forward, hoping the kids won’t be too confused with my discussion. Much to my surprise, my initial uncertainty changed to ease when I saw how much they trusted me. Their confidence in me translated to me believing in myself, a belief I’ve never fully developed during the years I spent in school. I may have yet to attain such confidence but I’m glad that most, if not all, of these students already have.
This is why I deeply appreciate the kind of learning Silid Aralan promotes. Their environment encourages everyone to speak their thoughts freely, without the fear of being wrong. As they say in their classes, “there are no wrong answers”. Because of this, the students aren’t afraid to try, to be different, and to be their own person. They are highly motivated because they see what they can achieve and what people can collectively achieve. Even before learning about it, they have recognized and understood human dignity by knowing the worth and the limitless potential present in every person. For the youth to foster this kind of thinking only means positive things for the future of our society.
So thank you, Silid Aralan Inc., for giving me the experience of teaching freedom to a group of passion-motivated kids whom I hope every person aspires to be like.
Written by Adrienne Tengco, a current intern at the WYA Asia Pacific office.
WYAAP has partnered with Silid Aralan Inc. for its 2016 Sulong Workshop. The Sulong Workshop is a series of outreach visits designed to teach underprivileged or underperforming youth about integral human development through the core values in WYA—Human Dignity, Freedom, and Solidarity.
We would also like to thank Ressu Kitchen for sponsoring the lunch for the students and volunteers last June 18!
For partnerships with WYAAP, just e-mail asiapacific@wya.net
