AS RESIDENTS in some parts of Marawi City started returning home this week, 12 public schools have reopened Tuesday, Oct. 31, more than four months behind the regular academic year. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government announced that the schools that resumed classes were: Sultan Conding Elementary School, Sikap Elementary School, Cabingan Primary School, Banga Elementary School, Datu Tambak Elementary School, Rorogagus Elementary School, Bito Elementary School, Pendolonan Elementary School, Abdulazis Elementary School, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School, Sugod Elementary School, and Mipaga Elementary School. Norhanifah Alikhan, a Grade 6 teacher of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School, said despite the displacement brought about by the siege that started May 23, they carried on with the enrolment of students in July and initiated activities that gathered the children. “Kung may mas nagsasakripisyo po sa panahon ngayon, hindi po kaming mga guro ’yun, kung hindi ang mga estudyante (If there is anyone who is making more sacrifices at this point, it is not us, the teachers, but the students),” said Ms. Alikhan in a statement issued by the ARMM government. She said teachers have seen in the students an eagerness to continue studying despite the armed conflict that was declared over on Oct. 22. The ARMM’s Department of Education has drafted recovery plans and programs for displaced children as well as providing assistance to students and school employees in terms of psychological and social needs. — Mindanao Bureau
