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A Reflection on Concept and Roles of Education in Community Development

Allan O. Goneda

Graduate Study, Open University System Polytechnic University of the Philippines

MEM 644: Education in Community Development

Dr. Diana Lee Tracy K. Chan

Date of Submission: August 05, 2022

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A Reflection on the Concept and Roles of Education in Community Development

The Philippine election has just finished, and a new set of national and local leaders are in their

seats, supposedly aiming to fulfill their beautiful plans for our country. Everyone is hoping for a change

that can benefit those still mired in the awful condition of poverty. But, do we depend on our government

leaders to bring prosperity to our country? Is it not that to uplift the people's economic condition, they

should do their part to labor for their resources? The relevant question is: Why is poverty deepening,

despite the so-called high GDP growth, before former President Duterte’s term ends? Why is inequality

persistent and growing from one administration to the present? These are the questions that, until now,

continue to circle the consciousness of the Filipino people. Since I was born, the Philippines has not yet

survived this reality where only a few Filipino families are enjoying the wealth of our country. At the

same time, many of them are in a destitute condition.

The poverty condition of our country affects many aspects of the lives of the Filipino people. One

of them is the education of our young people. One factor that affects the low rating results of the learners

is poverty. The 2-year pandemic aggravated the situation, resulting in an increasing number of non-

readers, especially among kids in the grade school level. The Department of Education adopted the

blended learning modality to continue youth education despite the pandemic. This modality of learning

has brought a lot of challenges not only among the learners but to the teachers as well. Not all learners

can buy new digital gadgets for their online learning. Even though modular education is offered, the

learners are left alone to accomplish their school tasks at home without being assured whether they have

understood the lesson because the teacher is not around to assist them. On the other hand, the teachers

also struggled to adjust to the online teaching setup. Slow internet connectivity, inadequate knowledge

and skills to use video conferencing, and the learning platform are only some problems teachers

encounter when delivering their lessons. Some teachers in other school divisions are fortunate enough for

the support they have received from their LGUs regarding laptops and freeload for internet connectivity.
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How about the communities in the far-flung expanses? Who is looking after their needs? We have

seen on the news that some of our learners and teachers are climbing on top of high areas to get an

internet connection. Of course, we do not want our fellow citizens to depend entirely on aid from

generous benefactors and sponsors. However, what else can we do to help those in dire need who, despite

their labors, still find it insufficient to provide themselves with some basic needs? After all, each

community member has a unique role in developing all members. Everyone cares when someone can lead

on how they can use their potential for the service of all in the community. As community leaders, they

teach all members how to fish for a living. A community leader recognizes the diverse contributions that

each member can share for the good of all.

No man is an island. We need each other, however trivial we judge the capabilities of our fellow

citizens, each one has his role to play. Community development focuses on a community's social and

economic aspects to make it more self-sufficient and sustainable so that people can access better

opportunities for their families. Education is crucial in helping with this goal by providing the skills and

knowledge that enable individuals to develop economically, socially, and personally. Education is a

fundamental right recognized across many countries—the United Nations Education Social and Cultural

Rights Convention being just one example of this recognition. Education provides communities with the

tools they need for success in life, just as education has enabled members of those communities to

succeed above and beyond expectations. In addition, education is also a human right recognized by the

United Nations—the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 26, to be specific. Education is more

than simply learning facts or skills. Education provides individuals with the knowledge they need to make

informed decisions about their lives, empowering them and giving them the tools necessary to take care

of themselves and succeed.

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Education contributes to achieving all these community goals and individual economic growth

and social stability. Education reduces poverty by providing knowledge and skills that enable people to

earn more money; it generates income thru increased productivity, participation in the labor force, and

entrepreneurship. Education reduces child mortality rates by improving health decisions made by

educated parents and lowering birth rates among uneducated individuals or those living in areas with low

levels of education. Education increases the likelihood of children staying in school, which decreases

child labor. Education decreases environmental degradation by teaching people about sustainable

practices such as recycling and conservation, reducing poverty, one of the biggest causes of global

deforestation, and providing people with tools to avoid overexploiting natural resources such as forests

for shelter or fuel. Education creates a better, more interconnected world that works together towards

common goals rather than working against each other, leading to increased global partnerships that

further enhance community development.

All these benefits lead back to education—education provides communities with the skills they

need to succeed while enabling individuals to grow economically and personally. Education is an

essential tool for community development.