DRIVING THOUGHTS
I’m writing about how poverty, malnourishment, and early childhood education (ECE) affect the learning ability of a child after being inspired by Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s remarks on these issues at the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. meeting for the celebration of National Teachers Month (MTM).
Yes, we know that education is a fundamental right, but absorbing all the learning begins with a body and mind that is well-nourished. That’s why children from poor families often face significant obstacles to learning. These challenges stem from inadequate nutrition, lack of resources, and poor learning environments, all of which can limit their cognitive and physical development.
The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—spanning from conception to their second birthday—are critical for brain and body development. When children experience malnutrition during this period, the effects can be long-lasting, hindering their ability to learn effectively. Although government provides various forms of support after the first 1,000 days, these interventions are often insufficient or inaccessible in poor communities.
However, children from impoverished families often suffer from malnutrition due to food insecurity, lack of proper healthcare, and maternal undernutrition. When pregnant mothers lack essential nutrients, their babies may be born with low birth weight, increasing the risk of developmental delays.
Malnutrition during early childhood can have severe and lasting effects on a child’s ability to learn. Some of the major consequences include: cognitive impairments, reduced academic performance, increased absenteeism and dropout rates.
Malnourished children often have lower IQ levels and struggle with memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Their brain development is delayed, making it harder for them to grasp new concepts in school.
They often perform poorly in school, have difficulty concentrating, following instructions, and keeping up with their peers.
Malnourished children are more likely to get sick frequently, leading to increased school absences. Many drop out of school altogether due to their inability to cope with academic demands.
After the first 1,000 days, the government implements various programs to support children’s learning, especially for those from poor families. Some key initiatives are the school feeding programs; Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) or financial assistance given to low-income families on the condition that they send their children to school and take them for regular health check-ups; and Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs which includes the establishment of daycare centers and preschools to provide young children with structured learning environments before entering primary school.
Poverty and learning ability
Poverty is a significant obstacle that can limit opportunities for children from poor communities in the Philippines, affecting their education, health, and overall development. However, while poverty creates challenges, it does not necessarily determine a child’s future. Several factors influence whether these children can become productive citizens in adulthood, including access to education, government support, community involvement, and personal resilience.
Despite these challenges, children from poor communities can become productive citizens if they receive the right support. Government programs like free tuition in state universities, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training, and scholarships can provide poor students with the skills needed for better jobs.
Other forms of support are entrepreneurship and livelihood programs, and programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which provide financial assistance, helping children stay in school. NGOs also provide mentoring, leadership training, and career guidance.
ECT teachers
The importance of experienced and well-trained teachers in the ECT system cannot be over-emphasized. These teachers play a big role in developing the child’s early critical thinking skills.
Angara stressed the importance of trained teachers in the pre-school system. But in the Philippines, the pre-schools or daycare centers are where new teachers are assigned, unlike in other countries where the most experienced and older teachers are assigned to handle the pre-school classes, he said.
Sec. Angara said they are now studying that concept to strengthen early childhood education.
Teachers in our early childhood education system, particularly in daycare centers and kindergarten, are required to undergo training in child development. The DepEd and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council provide teacher training programs. But the challenges in teaching critical thinking are many – limited teacher’s training in integrating technology into early education; and lack of resources like digital tools such as tablets, computers, or internet access.
When we hear of our students doing poorly in tests, and performing two grades down from their age-appropriate grade level, the problem is deeper than the present curriculum, and teachers’ training. It started from the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.