People used to say ”learning never stops,” and so does education. There is no definite time as to when an individual should complete his studies. Take Lola Aida Morales, for instance, the 65-year old who completed her elementary education recently.
Accomplished Aida
The story of Aida Morales serves as an inspiration for those who want to pursue their studies despite age. At the age of 65, Lola Aida was able to finish elementary studies with the help of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).
She belongs to the 15,102 successful examiners of ALS and Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A & E) held on February 24 in Region III.
The Life of Lola Aida
Lola Aida is from San Vicente in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. The eldest of the six siblings, Aida stopped attending school when she was in grade 4. However, only one of her siblings was able to finish high school. Four of them who are all girls weren’t able to finish elementary education.
In a graduation speech, Aida admits,
“Dala ng kahirapan, kasi po nagtatrabaho lang po ang tatay namin sa lumber at 35 pesos lang po ang suweldo niya. Isa lang po sa amin ang nakatapos ng high school at apat kaming babae na hindi nakatapos kahit elementary lang,”
To help their family, she works in a small canteen before she gets married.
A Life Long Dream
Aida did not stop praying for her dreams until the day she knew about the ALS. Right there and then, she enlist for the program after an ALS mobile teacher conducted a recruitment for enrollees in their area.
“Ako’y nangarap na sana dumating ang pagkakataon na matugunan ang aking panalanangin na sana’y mayroong eskwelahan na libreng magturo at mapagpa-aral sa kapares ko,”
She then adds,
“Nakigulo-gulo at naki-usyoso ako ‘nung may nag-recruit dito sa amin. Nagbiro ako at nagpalista ako. Itinawag pa sa DepEd para itanong kung pwede pa ako sa ALS, at ‘yun pumayag naman.”
The Road To Secondary Education
Today, Aida is more determined to continue her secondary education. In her speech, she encourages kids to focus on their studies.
“Ang gusto ko’y madagdagan ang aking nalalaman. Ang sabi ko nga sa mga batang bulakbol dito, gawin akong huwaran sapagkat sa edad kong ito ay gusto ko pang mag-aral. Lalo na sila’y bata pa, mas malayo pa kaysa sa akin ang kanilang mararating sa buhay,”
What can you say about Lola Aida’s perseverance to pursue her dreams? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
Source: The Summit Express
