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These 18 Parents, Including A 56-Year-Old Dad, Graduate From Kinder, Proving Learning Knows No Age
"The only goal of my beloved parents is to grab the chance to enter formal school and learn basic education, which includes reading and writing," the school head said.by Judy Santiago Aladin . Published Jul 14, 2023
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It's graduation season, and amid the inspiring stories of students and their parents, it hits differently when parents are the ones proudly wearing togas and a step closer to achieving their dreams.
On Facebook, King Rowel Ganir Salinas, the school head of the Tribal Filipino School (TFS) of Tabunan Elementary School in Davao Occidental, shared graduation photos of exceptional pupil-parents who completed Kindergarten.
According to Salinas, these parents were from the Tagakaulo tribe, mostly unemployed, and relied on farming for their livelihood.
"The only goal of my beloved parents is to grab the chance to enter formal school and learn basic education, which includes reading and writing. All of them are illiterate, so with the initiative of our school, we opened our doors to provide them with quality and accessible education," Salinas told Smart Parenting.
These parents, including a 56-year-old father, are now ready to enter Grade 1 in the next school year.
Here's Salinas' message to the graduates, which has now garnered over 14K reactions and 6K shares in just two days. Salinas granted permission to Smart Parenting to share his heartwarming post. Smart Parenting editors made minor edits for clarity.
Parent-pupils from Tagakaulo tribe in Davao Occidental graduate Kinder
"Entering Kindergarten, regardless of age, is a courageous step that requires embracing new experiences, acquiring new skills, and fostering a love for knowledge. We applaud your dedication to personal growth and your unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Your presence in the classroom will undoubtedly inspire others and serve as a testament to the fact that it is never too late to pursue your dreams."
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW"At TFS of Tabunan Elementary School, we cherish the diversity and uniqueness of every individual, and we are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. Our dedicated educators and staff are committed to providing you with a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters growth, encourages curiosity, and celebrates your individual achievements."
"We understand that juggling the responsibilities of being a parent and a student can be challenging, and we commend your ability to balance these roles with grace and perseverance. Your determination to enhance your own education while simultaneously supporting your child's development sets a remarkable example for your family and our entire school community."
"On behalf of TFS of Tabunan ES, we express our deepest admiration and congratulations to each of you as you embark on this exciting educational adventure. Your decision to pursue Kindergarten demonstrates your unwavering commitment to personal and academic growth, and we are privileged to be part of this journey. Congratulations once again, and welcome to the world of Education!"
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowWhen asked about his message to parents who are anxious but also want to pursue their studies, Salinas advises them, "My message to other aspiring parents who continue their education is to have faith in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges. Your ambitions to complete your dreams are admirable, and with hard work, determination, and the right assistance, you will certainly achieve."
He added, "Remember, it is never too late to invest in your personal growth and development because education is a lifelong adventure."
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