Schools in Marawi resume classes

MARAWI CITY - Twelve public schools in the Islamic City of Marawi resumed classes after the war-torn city has been declared liberated from terrorist influence. Students have returned to schools after missing months of classes as terrorist group stormed and seized the city.In an effort to help schools, the ARMM's education department (DepEd-ARMM) has drafted recovery plans and programs for school children displaced by the crisis.Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School, one of the 12 schools that have officially resumed classes, started gathering students since July.Norhanifah Alikhan, a grade 6 teacher of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School said enrollment in their school started in the same month. July pa lang may mga magulang na nag enroll ng kanilang mga anak since malayo naman ang school namin sa ground zero, Alikhan said.She said, kung may mas nagsasakripisyo po sa panahon ngayon, hindi po kaming mga guro yun, kung hindi ang mga estudyante. Nakita po namin sa mga bata na sa kabila ng mga hindi magandang nangyari ay gusto pa rin po nila mag aral, Alikhan added. She also said amid and beyond times of conflict, students need quality education.Sohayli Alan, grade 6 student of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School said, kahit na magulo po sa lugar namin, gusto ko pa rin mag-aral kasi gusto ko po matupad ang mga pangarap ko. Sohayli, a 14-year old, dreams of becoming a police when he finishes his study. Pangarap ko po maging pulis para kung may manggugulo ulit sa aming lugar, ako na po ang magtatanggol sa kanila, he added.The schools that resumed classes on were Sultan Conding Elementary School, Sikap Elementary School, Cabingan Primary School, Banga Elementary School, Datu Tambak Elementary School, Rorogagus Elementary School, Bito Elementary School, Pendolonan Elementary School, Abdulazis Elementary School, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, Sugod Elementary School, and Mipaga Elementary School.Aside from school rehabilitation, DepEd will also work on giving assistance to students and school employees when it comes to psychological and social needs.During the ARMM's People's Day on October 30, teachers and students availed services provided by the various line agencies of the regional government.(Bureau of Public Information)