Kids who struggled with online learning excited with return of face-to-face classes

Students expressed their happiness and excitement to go back to school after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the resumption of face-to-face classes in November.

Among them were the children of Rolando Eugenio, who went viral for teaching his kids under a lamppost during the height of the pandemic because they had no electricity at home.

According to Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report Thursday, after two years, they now have a single light bulb, which runs on solar battery.

Despite the struggles brought about by online learning, Jett Lawrence, Marc Leonard, and Roshiele are looking forward to finally attending classes in person again and finishing their studies.

In fact, they are already fitting their uniforms and preparing their books and other school supplies.

“Masaya po ako. Papasok na ako—magsusulat, magbibilang,” said Jett Lawrence, the youngest among the three siblings. He said he wanted to be a soldier when he grew up.

Roshiele, meanwhile, is hoping that with face-to-face classes, her school performance will get better. She recalled that while she did well at school, her Pisonet connection often got cut and interrupted her online classes.

“Lagi na akong makakapasok tapos iyong grade ko po, tataas na po nang kaunti kasi po ako iyong laging sumasagot sa school namin,” she said. “Makakapagtapos na po ako ng pag-aaral.”

Though Rolando is happy for his kids, he also can’t help but worry about their school expenses. In 2020, he had only a daily budget of PHP100 for the whole family.

“Mas mahirap po sa ngayon dahil kailangan talaga isipin nila iyong transportation, tapos iyong snacks po nila kasi doon na rin po sila manananghalian sa school,” he said.

Jhonel Agner, who also went viral for his perseverance in attending classes through Pisonet, had the same problem.

Though he’s excited to meet his classmates and teachers, his family did not have enough funds for his school supplies.

“Wala pa po akong notebook, uniform. Wala na po kasi kaming budget. May mga nararamdaman na rin po si Papa sa katawan niya kaya hindi na po siya nakakapagtrabaho,” he said.

According to data from GMA News Research, parents are aware of the learning challenges that students face amid the pandemic. These include lack of focus and resources such as gadgets and internet.

GMA News reached out to DepEd to get a statement, but they earlier said they were studying school curriculums for students’ learnings to match the changing times. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News