MANILA, Philippines – A teacher assigned in a mountainous elementary school recently shared the sweet experience of how he received bananas as gifts from a student who couldn’t even afford to buy himself a pair of slippers…
Teachers assigned in the mountains experience so many hardships, often sacrificing a lot just to teach kids living in far-flung areas. Many have to walk hours through dangerous roads just to reach the school, only to spend their own money on school supplies because their students can’t afford to buy their own.
But many teachers would say that despite the hardship, the experience is still so rewarding. And that’s especially true when they see their students improve in their studies and later express their happiness at being able to learn.
Ryan James Dueñas was already done with the Prelim Activities and 30-minute Reading Intervention when one of his students, a boy named Manuel, arrived. Shy that he’s very late for school, the boy waited outside the classroom until his classmates noticed and told their teacher.
The teacher let him in and continued with the lessons. But while he was discussing their topic in English, Manuel kept on rummaging through his bag and not paying attention. Since Manuel was already very late for the class, Teacher Ryan wanted him to listen to the lessons so he could catch up.
But it turned out this kid was busy taking out a bunch of bananas from his bag to give to his teacher! While he didn’t even have slippers, this generous kid thought more of his teacher than himself. The boy and his family could have sold the bananas to buy him slippers, but he chose to happily give it to Teacher Ryan in appreciation.
Touched by the surprise gift, the teacher posted the sweet gesture on his Facebook account where it would quickly go viral.
“You are the reason why I love to stay for a long time in a mountainous area and why I do my best to ensure that the improvement of our school. A simple act of kindness really matters,” Teacher Ryan happily wrote.
Appreciating the kid’s gift, Teacher Ryan decided to also give him something in return. Since he chose to give the bananas to his teacher instead of selling it to buy slippers or other needs, Manuel received a new pair of shoes from Teacher Ryan.
Image credits: Ryan James Dueñas / Facebook
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
Teachers assigned in the mountains experience so many hardships, often sacrificing a lot just to teach kids living in far-flung areas. Many have to walk hours through dangerous roads just to reach the school, only to spend their own money on school supplies because their students can’t afford to buy their own.
But many teachers would say that despite the hardship, the experience is still so rewarding. And that’s especially true when they see their students improve in their studies and later express their happiness at being able to learn.
Ryan James Dueñas was already done with the Prelim Activities and 30-minute Reading Intervention when one of his students, a boy named Manuel, arrived. Shy that he’s very late for school, the boy waited outside the classroom until his classmates noticed and told their teacher.
The teacher let him in and continued with the lessons. But while he was discussing their topic in English, Manuel kept on rummaging through his bag and not paying attention. Since Manuel was already very late for the class, Teacher Ryan wanted him to listen to the lessons so he could catch up.
Touched by the surprise gift, the teacher posted the sweet gesture on his Facebook account where it would quickly go viral.
“You are the reason why I love to stay for a long time in a mountainous area and why I do my best to ensure that the improvement of our school. A simple act of kindness really matters,” Teacher Ryan happily wrote.
Appreciating the kid’s gift, Teacher Ryan decided to also give him something in return. Since he chose to give the bananas to his teacher instead of selling it to buy slippers or other needs, Manuel received a new pair of shoes from Teacher Ryan.
Image credits: Ryan James Dueñas / Facebook
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
