The true wealth of a nation, I firmly believe, is its pool of educated and learned youth. For on their young shoulders will rest the responsibility of running the wheel of commerce and the industry as well as the bureaucracy. Everything, we, adults possess, may it be assets or liabilities, youth will inherit in futures to come. Thus, the policy of providing quality education so that they could fend for themselves should never take the back seat. And it can never also wait.

This principled notion has fairly guided me in my almost sixteen years of professional teaching both in private and public schools and even up to this day. And along with that, I always see to it that I also improve myself academically and professionally through training and seminars for learning is a lifelong cycle. I cannot give what I do not possess.

Firing the Rocket for Lift-Off

Before shooting up skyward to reach the heavens many preparations are made so that students I help to mold will be up to the task and well equipped for the job prior to leaving off the ground. Supportive school management should be around, qualified teachers ought to be there, teaching strategy must be updated and responsive, latest technology should be utilized and conducive learning environment must be present. These factors will largely determine the flight’s success.

Our space programs, our astronauts, our gears, our vehicles and our support teams are all set to go and just waiting for the red light. And the countdown begins! 10, 9, 8……3, 2, 1, 0! We have lift-off!

Unwavering Ground Support to Stay Aloft

As any spacecraft exploring the vastness of the universe the mission controls play a significant role to keep it going and accomplish its goals. Thus, the travel to evident success will never materialize without the necessary support like the efforts being made by Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education. Yes, they work from the ground and up.

Many educators in the country today benefited from the timely training and seminars conducted by this organization. And they were given free. Luckily, this author was one of the recipients.

The teaching strategies and materials provided by them assisted me in my classroom management and lesson preparation. Training the teachers like me will not suffice. It is crucial that the necessary tools to instill learning among the students are made available. And that is what I have got from the foundation.

Founded by Dr. Lucio C. Tan on December 1, 1994, FUSE seeks to improve the skills in English, Science and Mathematics teachers. Its programs include regular teacher training workshops; a post-graduate scholarship program for Science and Engineering teachers; production and distribution of telecourses in English, Elementary Science, Chemistry, Physics and Math; and a host of other educational programs in partnership with government and private learning institutions.