Silid Aralan Inc. (SAI), a non-profit organization that educates and empowers low-performing learners across the country, launches a different kind of search: The “75 Under 75” List–a call for entries to identify 75 students across the country whose report cards show grades of under 75.
After all, Silid Aralan is not after the best performing students in the Philippines, but possibly, the worst ones.
“ ‘75 Under 75’ is not a mainstream search for impressive individuals; rather than looking for the cream of the crop, Silid Aralan’s Ground Zero Program will look for 75 students who are struggling in school to undergo the program and improve their performance. Silid’s 13-year-old method has been proven to boost academic achievement by customizing students’ education to their passions, hobbies, and individual learning styles,” says SAI Founder and CEO, Arcie Mallari.
SAI has empowered more than 7,500 students across the country since 2007.
“This recognizes that every underachieving child deserves an opportunity that will empower them to discover and pursue their passion and goals. We aim to be the platform where they can grow and develop themselves into competent individuals who are committed to make a positive and sustainable impact in the country,“ added Mallari.
A principal of any elementary public school in the Philippines may endorse a maximum of 100 nominee-learners from their school. The Board of Judges, selected by the National Executive Committee, will conduct the final selection process for the 75 students who will be awarded a berth in the program.
Nominations can be made on the SAI website starting April 15 until May 12, 2021.
Saving and Celebrating Failing Students
According to a report of the Department of Education (DepEd) in March 2021, there were 126,000 students who failed the past year in public schools alone–despite the fact that 99% of 14.6 million public school students received a passing grade.
Undersecretary for Department of Education for Curriculum and Development Diosdado San Antonio said in last March’s Senate hearing, “Even if this is a high percentage we feel that the number in terms of those who have failing grades is also significant.”
Since the Philippine education system pivoted and invested heavily in digital learning, students and teachers in the rural areas have been burdened with even more disadvantages. Silid Aralan’s “75 Under 75” aims to help assist them.
