Why a concert?
Who can deny the power of music? It speaks to our souls, reflects our deepest emotions and desires, and often moves us to action. More than simply an expression of one’s talent, it is a manifestation of our being, our communal search for humanity in this chaotic world. Remember the first time you heard John Lennon’s “Imagine” or hummed along Michael Jackson's “Heal the World”? Two songs that were composed long ago yet ring true until today as we still see oppression, hatred and poverty in our society.
In July of this year, some of the most respected musicians and artists of our generation gathered together to bring attention to the suffocating poverty in Africa in what was the “
Live 8 Concerts.” By singing songs of inspiration and struggle, they raised the consciousness of ordinary people all over the world to pressing global issues such as the need for debt relief, trade justice, and education for all. This and many other cause-oriented advocacy campaigns are part of a growing trend of political activism that deals with the issues while at the same time appealing to the general public, through the use of popular forms of media such as the internet and music.
With similar passion we bring you: “
Educ8 to Liber8: 8 Performers, 8 Ways to Help”, an advocacy concert that aims to launch an awareness campaign for the youth on the education situation of the country today and to advocate for their active participation in the improvement of the education system through 8 concrete action points. The concert is a part of the nationwide
Pathways Educ8 to Liber8 Movement that encourages the youth to volunteer in education refor
m programs. The Pathways to Higher Education program of the Ateneo de Manila University (Pathways) is the organizer of this concert which will be held on
November 19, 2005 at the Clamshell 2, Intramuros, Manila from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Why Education?
80% of public elementary school students now enrolled will never make it to college and if they do, a further 10% will eventually drop out. In the most recent Pulse Asia survey, an estimated quarter of a million students will quit school this year. Why?! Rising costs of education along with the poor quality of our public school system produces high school graduates who can’t compete with their counterparts from private schools. Those who do get into good schools must then compete for scholarships, while those who don’t either have to settle for vocational courses, certificate courses (no diploma) or, no higher education at all.
Countless studies have shown that as one gains more education, one has more than 50% chance of improving his current situation. An educated person can liberate himself and his family from poverty with the opportunity to get a decent and good paying job. He can also liberate himself from oppression and finally have the power to realize his aspirations.
But what happens if the right to education becomes simply a privilege that very few can enjoy? If education indeed liberates, what happens to those who are left with no choice but to quit or not enter school?
What can be done?
Quality Education for all! This isn’t some empty slogan that conveniently simplifies the problem; it is a specific cry for justice based upon concrete realities. Don’t be fooled by its brevity though, for providing access to quality education is not as easy as it sounds. The problem of our education system is like a spider web with knots, you can’t untie one without encountering another knot. While it will take more than making a call for quality education, our campaign’s aim is to raise awareness first and then take small but concrete steps towards building an education reform constituency. Together, we can demand for effective systemic reforms and local-level support for truly liberating education that is accessible to anyone regardless of social standing.
What can the youth do to make sure that there is
Quality Education for All?
Pathways to Higher Education believes in the power of the Filipino youth to make things happen. The Filipino youth are energetic and hopeful of a bright future for their country. They are ready and willing to work together in making the Philippines rise from the rut it is currently in.
In light of this, The EDUC8 to LIBER8 Concert proposes 8 concrete action points where the youth can focus their immense energy in making sure that there is quality education for all.
The 8 Action Points
1. PARTICIP8
Join or start a Pathways Youth Group in your college or university.
Thus far, Pathways to Higher Education already has 36 Youth Groups across the country. 7 of which are in NCR and are based in the following schools: Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Philippine Normal University, University of Asia and the Pacific, University of Makati and University of Santo Tomas. These youth groups are active in providing tutorials for public high school students in Science, Math and English and other activities aimed at increasing access to higher education. By joining an existing youth group in your university or by forming one, you will take a concrete and bold step towards creating a more just system. For more information, you can contact the National Pathways Office at 426-6001 local 4046.
2. DON8
Sponsor a student through Pathways.
For giving as little as 80 pesos a day, you can already make a big difference in the life of a Pathways scholar. This amount can already cover his or her day’s school allowance as well as other expenses. Give more and be a blessing to those who need help. Your family, barkada or organization can adopt a public high school student and support his or her college education. Contact the Pathways Marketing & Strategy Unit at 426-6001 local 4047 for more details.
3. MOTIV8
Volunteer to be a Pathways teacher or mentor.
Be a volunteer Math or English teacher to Pathways Participants in public high schools around Marikina, Balara, Quirino and Payatas or be a Mentor to scholars who are already in college. Contact the Pathways Education Development Unit at 4266001 local 4045 if you want to learn more.
4. COLL8
Do a book drive in your college, university, community or barkada.
Do a book drive in your school or community. Many public high schools sorely lack in reference and reading materials for their students. Pathways can assist you in transferring these books to reliable schools that will make good use of them. Contact us at Pathways-Ateneo 426-6002 local 4045-49.
5. INVESTIG8
Find out what your local government is doing to improve the education system
Find out what your local government has done or is doing for the improvement of the education system. Is it implementing laws and policies that protect the rights of students and educators? Is it effectively using its funds to make sure that there is quality education for all? Learn what the Special Education Fund is all about and how it can be used properly. Write a letter to your officials that would inspire them prioritize quality education in your locality.
6. CELEBR8
Proudly wear the EDUC8 Shirt, Pin and ID Lace.
Help in raising awareness about the critical state of our education system by making the cause of education reform funky and popular. Proudly wear the shirt and the ID lace and let others know that you are supporting the cause to make the future bright for every Filipino student. T-shirts will be made available at the concert and from the Pathways Office, Alingal Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
7. COMMUNIC8
Organize discussion groups in your school, organization, barkada and talk about relevant education issues.
Empower your minds by discussing pressing education issues in your school or community. Think about concrete ways by which you can help. Contact us at 4266001 local 4045 and we can even help you in facilitating your group discussions.
∞. LIBER8
Never stop your learning experience. Find out what more you can do for the cause of education reform. Work with us in the fight to provide real opportunities for the oppressed and underprivileged. Volunteer your time and passion!
Make it your personal mission to help in providing a brighter future for this country. The problem is large and complex but not impossible to solve. Get involved with education reform organizations, such as Pathways, to learn more about how you can make a difference in this country now!
Who will perform in the concert?
www.educ8performers.blogspot.com
Education is a right, not a privilege!
Support the call for
Quality Education For All!
Send us a message. Join the community. EDUC8@yahoogroups.com
