Exit Essay: We Need Education.

         Everybody knows that poverty is present in the Philippines. Almost everyone agrees as well that corruption is the main reason poverty exists. Well, is it? For me, corruption is just one of the many social issues that cause poverty. From a number of social issues, I believe that the lack of education is the main reason for poverty. Education would help the Philippines progress because it would help the Filipinos discover their capabilities, become more aware of their country and would help them know their purpose in their country.

          The first people who taught us the things that we know now are our family members. They taught us the alphabet and even a bit of math when we were little. But, out of all of these basics, the school is the one that provides all the intellectual knowledge that we have to learn. One of the great things about going to school is their desire for their students to know more about their capabilities. In school, we have about seven to eight subjects per day. We discover our weaknesses and capabilities through the tests and challenges we face in these subjects. For a math genius, he could be a professor one day or even an accountant. For someone good in art class, he could be a painter or even a fashion designer. The school provides us the opportunity to learn and discover our talents and skills. It helps us discover our capabilities with no limitations and distractions. Limitations and distractions such as some parents who force their children to do something they do not want to do and be someone who they do not want to be.

           Education would also help us become more aware of the situation of our country. As citizens of the Philippines, we have the right to know and learn about the happenings in our country. But how can we learn if we cannot read, write or even understand the circumstances that our country is facing? Let us take the elections as an example. Majority of our population are, sadly, uneducated. What do most of our politicians do about our Filipinos being uneducated?. They take advantage. Politicians take the opportunity to bribe, lie and cheat to these Filipinos because they know that all these poor Filipinos want is money-not proper leaders. These politicians know that they will all fall for money and so they use that as their tool for a sure win in the elections. We need education for these Filipinos because , again, we have the right to learn and we should not be taken advantage of. We all deserve to be educated not cheated.

          Lastly, education would help us know our purpose for our country. When we realize what we are good at and when we already understood our country's situation, that is where our purpose falls in. Knowing our purpose for our country is important because it helps us live and it gives us the chance to make a change in the world. Take our Filipino artists as an example. A lot of our Filipino artists, particularly our painters, create a beautiful picture of our country's culture and even a scenario in our country through their arts. They paint jeeps, which is one of our famous transportations, Sampaguita vendors, who depicts the poverty in our country which should give awareness to people, and a lot more. These paintings then travel around the world displayed in various exhibits and appreciated by many. You see, even though these things may seem so little, they bring our culture and identity as Filipinos throughout the world. These paintings tell how we Filipinos feel and it helps other people become aware of the things that we do not usually take as "important". Education would help us express our desires and it would help us discover our purpose for this world. Painting is just one of the talents that one might have, others might think it is small but, it actually brings a lot of light and change to the world.

          Education is the key to poverty. Knowing our capabilities, discovering our weaknesses and strengths, awareness of our country's circumstance and knowing our purpose in this country are some of the many things that education could bring. Even though our government does not prioritize education, I am glad that there are Non-government organizations (NGOs) who raise awareness about the lack of education in the Philippines. I am really grateful that I am given the opportunity to study in a good college. I know that we are all blessed to be a blessing to other people. I want the world to know that we have amazing gifts and talents waiting to be discovered. I want everyone to have the opportunity to shine their light. Let us make a difference and help others discover their capabilities. We would not want them to be put to waste don't we?