Being a teacher is no easy task; but being a student isn’t easy, either! In class, students are expected to copy notes, understand what the teacher is trying to teach, and make assignments plus projects required of them to accomplish for the subject.
Sadly, doing all that on an empty stomach is a huge challenge!
Photo credit: ABS-CBN News
Jen Dullente is a teacher at Bugo National High School in Cagayan de Oro City, southern Philippines. Recently, she received an excuse letter written by the mother of a Grade 7 student who had been absent for 3 days, 14-year-old Jerom Felipe.
“That’s why I choose to be a teacher: to lend a hand to students like them and make them perceive that poverty is not a wall to break but an opportunity to climb and see what’s lies behind,” Teacher Jen wrote in her post, sharing the heartbreaking excuse letter.
The teacher admitted that she was shocked that there are still cases like this at the school, considering that they do have a feeding program.
Photo credit: Jen Dullente / Facebook
The note was written by Rosalinda Felipe, Jerom’s mother. The teen had been worried about his absence and asked his mother to write the excuse slip.
“Sabi ko, ‘Sige gawa tayo ng excuse letter.’ Sabi niya, ‘Ano sasabihin natin?’ Sabi ko, ‘‘Yung totoo na wala tayong bigas dahil hindi naka-drive ang papa mo dahil sira ang tricycle,’” Rosalinda narrated.
With Rosalinda being a homemaker, the only income they get is from her husband’s earnings as tricycle driver. Thus, if he can’t drive, they have nothing to eat.
Thanks to the viral post, help is coming in droves for the family.
“Meron nang mga tao na nag-aaproach sa’kin, nag-chat sa’kin kung pwede ba silang mag-extend ng help, magpadala ng pera sa bata. Merong taga ibang countries na sila na lang mag-cater sa isang buwang baon ng bata [at] magpadala ng bigas,” Teacher Jen shared.
The family is thankful that the teacher’s post went viral as this provided them food.
Photo credit: ABS-CBN News
Still, even though they live in poverty, Jerom continues to hope that he would finish his studies as he dreams of becoming a soldier someday.
