My only child is no longer in school. At the age of 20 he is already working as a call center agent. But since grade school, through high school, and college, I have always encouraged him to get involved in school and community organizations. In high school he was active in an interfaith youth organization that foster peace, understanding and cooperation among different religions. At school he led the dramatics club. I continue to be proud of him. His involvement in what is usually called extra-curricular activities proved to be a useful experience and good training ground in facing life’s challenges.
I am of the view that it is wrong for parents to discourage their children, or sow fear among students in general, from participating in organizations. Even Leftist organizations have a lot to offer in terms of training in organizational skills and community organizing. I understand the reasonable apprehension of parents and even teachers and school administrators against extremist organizations that tend to agitate for violence. I, for one, would warn the youth from joining such dangerous groups.
But we should not lump together all Leftist organizations. There are those that adhere only to nonviolent means such as the one led by senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel. Nonviolent Leftist organizations are an epitome of perseverance and determination in standing for pro-poor and pro-people principles. Social awareness and involvement in national, even global, issues are vital components in the holistic formation of responsible citizens. We must not be content with Filipinos who may be good at managerial accounting but cannot stand up against corrution; or adept at comparative literature but have no appreciation of the burning social issues that confront our society. I must however mention here also, that the two other necessary ingredients of holistic training to keep the youth from being recruited by unscrupulous agitators are academic excellence and spirituality.
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