Essay for NSTP

Human Dignity etc.

Human dignity denotes to a particular dignity which human beings uniquely possess. What does that exactly mean? Since, dignity is the quality of being worthy, human dignity means humans are worthy of something. We are worthy to receive our needs and practice our rights. Human dignity is not exclusive to a certain group of people, everybody possesses it regardless of religion, culture, race or financial status. Ideally, this is what human dignity is supposed to be. An innate aspect in all humans beings that they should experience and enjoy. However, in our worldly society today, certain violations to our human dignity are rampant. People discriminate other people just because they’re different and this sometimes comes in conflict with the concept of human dignity.

During the first day of NSTP, the coordinator toured us around the school and gave a short background about it. We saw the dark, dingy and small classroom which housed 80-100 students. I was appalled at the scenario. In this small room, there is no way the students could effectively learn and retain the lessons. Being grade one pupils, they tend to be rowdy and extremely noisy, and having to sit inside that classroom while listening to the teacher while some other 89 pupils are simultaneously shouting is very difficult. Every children has a right to have a future, and with this pathetic learning environment they have a very small chance of actually succeeding in the future. Public elementary schools should offer if not excellent but at least sufficient, quality education for the Filipino people. Is it not sad to think that the government cannot even expend money for something that will have a great impact in our country’s future? Why is there such a big line between private and public school education? Why do kids age 6 to 10 endure this kinds of social injustice when in fact they have as much right as any body else to have quality education?

Tutoring the kids was difficult for me because of two distinct reasons. One is the fact that I am not a teacher and therefore lack the training and capability to formally educate these kids. Second of all, it was hard to reiterate over and over again the concepts that supposedly they have already mastered. However, this did not stop me from doing my best to teach them. I understand that as a Catholic, it is my moral duty to extend my hand to them in filling in what they lack. Aside from the alphabet and syllable recognition, I would like to think that I have imparted a sense of importance in them. I made them feel that they are not alone and the world does not go against them. People help one another and by setting this example I hope that someday they may do this as well for another person.

In respect to my own dignity, the Ateneo caters to it constantly. By allowing us students to be who they are and by giving us what they need, the Ateneo fosters dignity among each student. The Ateneo sees the student’s worth and upholds it by giving it best in terms of education. I guess the concept of Magis also fosters dignity because it says that we as human beings are capable of doing more and is expected to strive for more.