Education without borders

 The Philippine Star

 4 Jul 2017

 By AUBREY MADELEINE ALEJO

Education, they say, is everybody’s right. In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is
clearly stated that all people, regardless of age, sex, religion, ethnicity, or disability, should be
granted access to quality and inclusive education.
While the Philippines still lags behind, as many people from the margins of the society are still
not granted access to free schooling, there are still some success stories that make us believe that
education is a great equalizer – especially when it crosses borders that society has dictated.
‘KING OF AETAS’
Although education is regarded as a gift, a right if you will, our fellows from farflung, remote
provinces are deprived of it.
But for people with big dreams and aspirations, accessibility is a mere challenge to be hurdled.
This was the difficulty that an Aeta like Norman King had to face. The first in his tribe to earn a
Bachelor’s diploma, Norman is now a proud BA Behavioral Science degree holder from the
University of the Philippines–Manila.
Norman might be just-another-graduate-from-UP, but there is a whole tribe celebrating with him
in the mountains and are hopeful for future generations who yearn for education.
During his graduation day, with head held up high, Norman wore his bahag, the traditional
clothing for the Aeta tribe, as he stepped on the stage to claim his diploma and to represent the
Aetas. He shared his victory with the entire tribe and plans to give back by writing a book about
their history.
In a Third World country, feats such as this, where a young man from a tribe bucks the odds to
graduate from college, is a cause for celebration for most people. In a nation where education
remains metro-centric, a feat like Norman’s is a glimmer of hope. He is a testament that
education knows no borders or tribes.
NOTHING CAN BRING BRINA DOWN
There is nothing typical about Brina Maxino.
Floppy, with a small nose and mouth, she has Down syndrome and, true enough, is far from
being common.
Here is a girl who, at one time in her life, was invited to a dinner with the former president of the
United States Barack Obama. Not what common people do, is it?
Brina Kei M. Maxino may well be described as a woman of achievement. She was a Global
Youth Ambassadress representing the Asia-Pacific region for the Special Olympics. She has also
been invited multiple times as a motivational speaker to numerous gatherings full of common
people.
“You are changing the country, and now I am changing mine,” Brina said to Obama.
She finished strong in her high school graduation as a valedictorian; she attended a regular high
school with the rest of the regular kids by the way. At age 17, she gained her General Clerical
Services certification and a two-year Certificate in Associate in Arts in CAP College Foundation
Inc.
Recently, Brina continued her streak of achievements as she finished a degree in BA History.
Today, she is happily contributing to the workforce of the country. By all accounts, she is a
manifestation that even people with intellectual disability can do wonders.
Even though she has Down’s syndrome, she managed to attend regular school and even conquer
it. Her disabilites did not prevent her from doing what she loves. With strong faith and a
strongeven-though-holed-heart, Brina has touched hearts from around the globe.
Indeed, Brina’s journey is nowhere but up.