More than a decade ago, Jeneveb Abanzado started “Silid-Aralan ni Nanay Jen” in her humble home on a remote island in Del Carmen, Siargao to teach kids in her community whatever she could despite lacking formal education herself.
She not only shared her knowledge but also fed the children and used a donated banca to ferry them to another island so they could attend school.
Now, in an inspiring development, Nanay Jen is one of those students making the journey across the ocean every day—this time, to fulfill her own dream of becoming a professional teacher.
“Nag-enroll po uli ako para po sa lahat ng mga kabataan [lalo na sa aming Sitio] at lalong-lalo na po sa taong may edad na na gusto pa ring bumalik sa pag-aaral,” said Nanay Jen, as quoted by the Department of Education on Facebook.
The 38-year-old mom is a graduating Grade 12 student at the Del Carmen National High School Caub Extension, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
She said going back to school has empowered her with new knowledge, making her an even better educator in her community. By returning to school, she has also inspired others to go back to school and continue their education despite their age.
“Makapagpatuloy na ako sa pagtuturo dahil wala ng nagsasabi na baliw ako at unti-unti matutupad ko ang aking pangarap,” she added.
Nanay Jen first launched “Silid-Aralan ni Nanay Jen” in 2012 to help fill the learning gaps in her coastal community in Sitio Liaonan.
But her first lessons weren’t just about English or math, but teaching children to dream and how to make those dreams a reality. She wanted to change the prevailing mindset in her neighborhood that education was unnecessary, especially in a place where fishing was seen as the only future.
“Kasi may mga nanay po dito, lagi nilang sinasabi sa mga anak nila na ‘Huwag ka na lang mag-aral. Hayaan mo na ‘yan, may kita naman tayo dyan [sa pangingisda].’ Pero sabi ko sa mga bata, para ‘yun sa inyo eh hindi [lang] ‘yan sa magulang niyo,” Nanay Jen said in a previous interview with Evident PH, a marketing and communications firm.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. According to May Shiela Agad, a school head, Nanay Jen’s initiative has significantly encouraged more children—and even adults in the sitio—to continue their studies.
“Napakalaking tulong sa paaralan kung may kagaya ni Nanay Jen kasi pinagaan ang mga dapat sana namin na gawin like mag-follow-up sa mga bata from their sitio,” added the school head.
