Week 6: Discussion#4

Answer the following questions in your own words (at least 5 sentences):

1. What is the Kariton Klasrum? Why was it built?

Kariton Klasrum is a project founded by Efren Penaflorida which aims to provide proper education to the less unfortunate. Along with other co-founders and volunteers from the said project, they used education as a tool to teach those youth coming from the slums and relentlessly try to shift their futures to a brighter path. Using small kariton or push carts, they taught little kids to read and write. They also taught them about proper hygiene and some general values to also better their morals.

He mentioned that he himself also experienced the hardships of being poor. Because of this, he built this project to ensure that these kids will have someone to lean on for the challenges he also once had.

2. Efren came from a poor family, but it did not hinder him to help others. Were you inspired after watching the video? Did it give you a desire to help others as well in your own ways (big or small)? Why or why not?

Efren’s story was definitely an inspiring one. He was not fazed by the discouragement and even the harassment that he received from those who judged him. He continued to persevere until his efforts were finally acknowledged. However, he did not let this get into his head. Instead, he continued to stay humble and keep an earnest heart eager to provide a better future for the less unfortunate youth.

As inspiring as his story was, I do not think that I will help in the same way. His method surely provides a higher chance of enabling these helpless kids by having a strong connection with each of them. However, I personally think his methods are a bit inefficient. If I were him, I would have just continued to better myself financially in order to fund bigger projects that will cover a larger population.

3. In the context of the video, what is "SALBABIDA"? What lessons/learnings did you realize?

The term salbabida is a metaphor for something that provides aid in dire times. Based from the given context, drowning is a symbolism for being stuck helpless in his current state and environment. Luckily, Efren's mentor, KB Manalaysay, served as a life buoy or a salbabida by saving Efren in his times of need. He taught him that fist fights or violence in general is not the key or solution to his problems and in somewhat the same way, Efren himself returned the favor by being a salbabida to other people.

Because of Efren’s story, I have realized that there are actually selfless people out there who are earnestly and wholeheartedly willing to help those in need. Based from their acts of righteousness, people like Efren and his associates truly deserve to be called heroes for the present times.