The Virlanie Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young minds was evident during its recent Teacher’s Week celebration, held from October 2–5, 2023, at the Magellan Learning Center. The highlight of this year’s Teacher’s Week celebration was undoubtedly the “Student as Teacher Activity,” where beneficiaries turned into teachers for a day. It was a heartwarming and inspiring sight to see these young learners confidently standing in front of their fellow beneficiaries, showcasing their teaching skills. By allowing the children to step into the shoes of their teachers, the foundation not only celebrated its own educators but also ignited a passion for learning and teaching in the hearts of its students. Aside from boosting confidence and improving the communication and socio-emotional skills of the students, the objective of the activity is also to empathize with their teachers and understand the challenges that the teachers are facing in teaching different kinds of students.
The children engaged in a thrilling experiment. Guided by their dedicated teachers, they embarked on an exciting journey to understand the science behind creating slime and volcanic eruptions. Some of them transitioned into the world of engineering as they took on the challenge of constructing popsicle stick bridges. The air was filled with laughter and teamwork as the children collaborated, learned about structural integrity, and discovered the joy of problem-solving. As they placed weights on their bridges, the sense of accomplishment and pride on their faces was unmistakable. These young builders were not just constructing bridges; they were paving the way for a brighter future. The children also engaged in a series of numbers where they exercised their quick thinking, strategy, and solid grasp of whole numbers. Lastly, they also did the story-telling and pastillas-making.
The Virlanie Foundation’s Teacher’s Week celebration was not just about recognizing the dedication of its educators but also celebrating the incredible potential within each child. The “Student as Teachers Activity” was a powerful reminder that education is a two-way street—students can be teachers, and teachers can be learners. The celebration was a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of these remarkable young minds, who are not just learners but also future leaders, educators, and change-makers.
