Childhood forms a person because those early influences are the key to everything in human development. The importance of children feeling loved, and the absence of self-esteem in those who do not, has been the subject of countless research projects. It is difficult for children to be happy if they do not feel secure. And happy childhood makes children aware that the world is a wonderful place to be in. In turn, this makes them capable of loving and respecting other people. Where love and respect abound, prosperity can’t be far behind.
There’s a general consent that happy and protected children are the future builders of a prosperous nation where peace and equality thrive. This is the underlying rationale behind the United Nations Declaration of Child’s Right, which demands all countries to promote children’s rights to protection, education, health care, shelter and good nutrition.
In our schools, it is the responsibility of the teacher, administrator, custodian, driver, security officer, coach, counselor, maintenance staff member, building manager and administrative staff member to ensure that students continue to learn and thrive in a safe
environment.
The school provides an invaluable environment in the human development of students. This is the place where they learn their ABCs, how to interact with others and develop physical, intellectual and moral well-being.
Children have a right to express their opinion, which should be given due weight. But children must also be taught about their responsibility to respect the rights of others, especially those of their parents, teachers and everyone around them.
The learning environment of child-friendly schools is characterized by equity, balance, freedom, solidarity, nonviolence and a concern for physical, mental and emotional health. These lead to the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and morals so that children can live together in a harmonious way.
A child-friendly school nurtures and supports children’s development to enable them to become responsible citizens when they grow up. It is therefore important that teachers adopt teaching methods focused on a child-centered approach. Lessons for children include essential life skills aimed at keeping them safe and building the skills they will need to fulfill their potential as future nation builders.
If we allow children to feel more comfortable in learning environments, they will have the opportunity to experience true, authentic learning with joy. This experience leads to a lifelong love of learning, which will hone them to become responsible members of
Philippine society.
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The author is teacher in charge at Gonzaga National High School, Santa Clara Annex, in Gonzaga, Cagayan.