It is the stories of compassion and the dedication of educators like Mrs. Ophelia M. So that inspire others to do good. On October 5, the world will celebrate teachers and the lasting impact they make on the lives of their students.
Promise To God
Reflecting on her two decades of teaching and managing a school, Ma’am Ophel wrote:
Alphastar Educational Centre, Inc. was my promise to God in 1989, the 5th day after the birth of my son, Christopher, when he had his 1st flatline. His therapies drained us financially and emotionally.
When he reached 10 years old, he had 3 brain surgeries in 48 days with 2 flatlines. He was able to attend school normally until he was grade 3, but after his final surgery, his mental state forced him to go back to Kinder. I knew then that God had reminded me of my promise.
It took a while before the fulfillment of my promise as Chris had to undergo expensive therapies, but his memories barely recovered.
My friend partnered with me to build Alphastar with her owning 40%. Alphastar started with 8 students, including Chris. Tuitions fees were at 50% lower than regular rates and those from indigent families pay zero.
One had ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder]. He is now graduating from an IT course with his ASD mannerisms gone. One of my students moved to the USA when he was in grade 2 and was accelerated to grade 5. He now works in the USA. 28 more are in Highschool or College. Students that are suspected to have ASD but do not display symptoms are enrolled without the need for developmental pediatrician reports to avoid stigma.
Two of Chris’ classmates are working adults. One has gone to ALS [Alternative Learning System]. Another is serving her church. Chris can now prepare his own meals alone and keeps his spaces clean.
The sale of Alphastar pained me, but old age didn’t allow me to continue. Now I am active in helping the seniors at our Barangay.
Prioritizing Teachers’ Welfare
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Teachers’ Day is observed every year on October 5 to honor teachers and recognize their vital contribution to education and society.
The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO)/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which established international standards on teachers’ rights and responsibilities, as well as their training, recruitment, employment, and working conditions.
UNESCO in its website states “The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994. It is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.”
World Teachers’ Day is jointly convened by UNESCO, the ILO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNICEF), and Education International.
