3rd Quarter | Week 6 | Discussion

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

        The Kariton Klasrum (pushcart classroom) was created by Efren, his instructor KB, and other volunteers to provide education to children living in poverty, especially those living in the slums. From its name, it is made out of a pushcart that has multiple compartments which hold basic school equipment like books, markers, papers, rulers, etc. It serves as a make-shift classroom that can be conveniently placed anywhere. It was created so that education can be accessible for children who can’t afford it. The volunteers would teach children how to write and count.

        Although it started as a small project, its influence and impact on the children are not small. It helped them realize that joining gangs and stealing things is not the only option they can take to live. It has given them the chance to dream and hope for a better life.

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?

        Seeing someone who used to be on the brink of despair become a saving grace for other people is very awe-inspiring. It just goes to say that the impact of a simple act of kindness goes a long way in a person’s life. Efren’s life was saved by KB’s goodwill. Now, Efren’s altruism saves many more young children as KB did before him.

        Efren was given the chance of an education, and his life has changed for the better. Now, he offers this opportunity to unfortunate children, giving them hope that there is more to life than gang fights and stealing.

        The extent of helping other people is not something to belittle whether the action may be big or small. These videos inspired me to follow in Efren’s footsteps in spreading kindness and giving help to other people. Though I cannot do things like building a pushcart classroom for children living in poverty, I can still manifest kindness in other ways.

        Being a person that my friends can rely on is a small yet crucial step in starting this journey. I am still far from being kind, but I know that my actions can affect other people in a way that I can never comprehend. This is why I have to do my best to leave a good impact on other people’s life.

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

        Salbabida or “lifesaver” is used to rescue people who are drowning. In the context of the video, “salbabida” serves as an analogy for people who give others the chance to live a better life. KB saved Efren from a life of violence and gang. He taught Efren that the only way to get revenge on gangs is to live a life free from it. He then showed Efren the power of education. In turn, Efren grew to become a lifesaver for others. This shows how a ripple of kindness can cause a wave in other people's life.

        “Don’t be ashamed of doing what is right.” KB’s line made a deep impression in my mind. Most people indeed refuse to help others because they’re afraid of being called hypocrites or hopeless idiots. Still, with his words, Efren and the volunteers pushed through in spreading knowledge to those who need it despite the criticism they first received. This is something that I both admire and envy. I hope to see the day that I will gain the courage and kindness to help those in need.

        “Do embrace learning and love it, for it will embrace and love you back and shall enable you to change your world.” Another lesson that I learned from here is the importance of education. Its power to change the life of a poverty-stricken person is astonishingly high. Education served as Efren’s hope to escape the life of a criminal. Education also served as Efren’s tool to help others escape the same fate he had before. This is how powerful education is.