Hazards of schooling

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

All over the country, parents will be leading their children, especially the first timers, to school. As it has always been ever since formal education started to be implemented in this country, this same scenario is seen everywhere: young children being escorted by a father, a mother, an aunt or grandparent, to the first phase of their formal training.

We will see various expressions on the faces of the youngsters, with some showing excitement at the new experience, others fearful and reluctant to venture into the unknown challenges of the academe.

In the case of elementary school students, the first few days are what will be suspenseful, both for them and their parents. But with the concern that fathers and mothers generally show, it is safe to assume that those early days will be safe ones, with every protection possible being given to them, from being brought to and from school, to their adjustments to the new experience.

A greater problem is being faced by those whose children are already in advanced studies, especially college and, for some, in high school, when such students have to be away from their homes which could be in distant towns and cities, and are entrusted to dormitory living. Although this may be the first step to a more independent existence, it is also something that causes concern to parents and guardians.

It is therefore as assuring to hear that local governments are now seriously implementing the requirements for inspection and implementation by dormitories and boarding houses, as also required by the Education Department. We have heard of so many terrible incidents, especially from fires that hit such establishments and caused fatalities among the young people living in them.

But parents should not be complacent and simply rely on the authorities to do the job of monitoring the quarters where their children will live away from them. They should themselves look over such places, see if they are implementing requirements, and, if possible, demand that the managements comply.

Now that classes are starting is the best time to do this.*