The possibilities and reasons for out of school youth can vary, depending on any out of school youth children that you interview. Out of school youth can be defined as children of all age who do not go to school. The most primarily reason why these children do not go to school, is poverty. A common problem in the Philippines, that can affect the future of the youth. In which the struggles of poor households and family continues to be the primary cause for out of school youth.
When we hear the word out of school youth our prejudice gets the best of us, we assume immediately that this child is problematic and has caused only problems on his school. We do not consider the other variables that can cause a child to drop out of school. They may either lack interest on the subject they are taking, the learning or teaching skill is not good for them, they are having a hard time socializing, they are being bullied and so much more reason. We can reflect on this matter at hand, that the problem is with us who immediately judges people when they say they are out of school youth. We do not try to understand what they are facing; we only continue to judge them for who they are. However, for those who try to dig deeper and understand the roots of out of school youth, they will find out that the person is more than just a problem; sometimes it’s the system of education that has failed them when all they wanted was to learn. Out of school youth is bigger than what we have thought, especially young children who already stopped going to school. As the youths of every country is their hope for the future, so how about the youth of the Philippines? What future lies ahead for the Philippines, when the children of this country cannot get quality education for themselves? So to reflect once again, the out of school youth who are supposed to be the future of our country should be prioritize. We must help them get back on their feet and study again. Let them be an importance for once, rather than putting them aside for other projects. The system of education also must be given an importance for them as that is what they need the most.
To conclude the out of school youth is a product of not only a complicated education system, it is also due to the poverty of our country; leading some students to drop out of school to work at a young age. No child deserves to work at an early age, it is their right to play, have fun, learn and go to school. However, all their rights and dreams for a better future is stripped away from them for just a common problem in our country.
By: Kissmark S. Bendo | Teacher I | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataam
