Education Access in Remote Areas—the Elusive Change We Desperately Need
Oct 3, 2024
Story
Seeking
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Lylinaguas
Philippines
Joined Aug 26, 2011
In many remote areas of the country, children and teachers face an overwhelming challenge every day: getting to school. What should be a basic and straightforward process becomes a hazardous journey filled with dangers. Children walk for hours on rough, unpaved paths. They cross dangerous rivers, holding onto man-made ropes as their lifelines. In some cases, they even climb steep mountains, risking their safety just for the opportunity to learn. Teachers are no exception; many of them make the same grueling trek to fulfill their duties. Some of them even have to stay the whole week near the school and go home only on weekends to minimize the travel time and risks of getting to and from school.
This problem is not exclusive to the Philippines. Countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan and others, face the same risks and challenges.
It is disheartening to think that in this day and age, access to education remains such a daunting challenge in certain regions. Education is supposed to be a basic right, a pathway to a better future. However, for many children and their teachers in rural and hard-to-reach areas, it is a struggle.
This reality raises many questions: why are we still here? Why does this persist, despite all the development and modernization in other parts of the country? It is beyond the physical challenges. It is not as simple as constructing more schools or developing better infrastructure in these areas. The problem is more deeply rooted in governance and the kind of leadership over our communities. It is a reflection of the priorities—or the lack thereof—of those in power. Accessibility to education shouldn’t be this difficult, but the painful truth is that it remains this way for many.
If only those who have the power and ability to make changes, possess a strong sense of integrity, dedication, and commitment to their work, perhaps stories like this would be far less common. Leadership that genuinely prioritizes the needs of the people, especially in underserved areas, could have made a significant difference by now. Instead, we hear repeated reports of mismanagement, inefficiency, and, in many cases, blatant corruption.
Instances of fund anomalies, not just involving education or infrastructure projects, are not new. Everytime we hear about another high-profile case of missing public funds or uncompleted projects, it’s a blow to the millions of people who rely on government support. The corruption that allows these problems to persist affects the most vulnerable among us—those who have no other means of accessing basic services. These missing funds, which could have been used to build safer roads, bridges, or even classrooms, get pocketed by a few while the rest are left struggling. Not enough budget is a familiar statement.
Every country needs leaders who understand the weight of their responsibilities and are truly dedicated to improving the lives of their constituents. Leaders who are not just present in times of elections or crises, but who are consistently working toward building a brighter, more equitable future for everyone, especially for those in the most marginalized communities.
As citizens, we have an important role to play in ensuring that the right people are placed in positions of power. Time and time again, we’ve seen the consequences of electing officials who lack the vision or the commitment to serve the public. Voting is more than just choosing a name on a ballot; it’s about selecting individuals who embody the principles of integrity, dedication, and empathy. We must be more discerning, understanding that the choices we make directly affect the lives of our fellow citizens and more importantly, the future of our children.
As mentioned in previous posts, there are organizations—NGOs and local groups—that tirelessly work to support communities where government services are lacking. These groups step in to bridge the gap, providing aid and assistance in the most remote regions. However, they should not be seen as replacements for government responsibility. NGOs are there to help, but they cannot and should not do the work of agencies that are mandated to provide these services.
It is essential to have an effective governance so proper attention is given to the school facilities and infrastructure needed in remote areas. This starts with each of us making more thoughtful choices as voters. But election or not, we need leaders who are motivated by the genuine desire to serve, leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and dip their feet in the mud to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to a safe and quality education.
In the end, education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for everyone. But if the path to it is blocked by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of empathy from those in power, then we are failing the very people who need it the most. We should choose leaders who will prioritize the needs of children in remote areas, who will invest in the future by ensuring access to education for all. We need leaders who will work with integrity, dedication, and commitment to create lasting change.
As I have often said, we make life what it is. The choice is ours to make the change so we can provide a good future for our children.
(credit to the owners for the video and images)