“Education is not a privilege but a right that every child deserves.” In a world where education is a stepping stone to success, there exists a group of young students in Katangawan General Santos City whose dreams are hindered by obstacles that seem insurmountable. These children, facing financial constraints and limited resources, are the heart and soul of a transformative movement led by an extraordinary individual – Jimboy Cawan Baba.
Jimboy’s journey through education has been marked by challenges and triumphs, but his mission goes beyond personal accomplishments. These young students, who struggle daily just to access basic education, have become the center of his unwavering dedication. As he pursues a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics at Stratford International School, Jimboy has set his sights on a higher purpose – to be a guiding light for those in need, especially for children who face financial constraints to attend school.
Hailing from a background of financial hardship himself, Jimboy intimately understands the pain and frustration that accompany the inability to afford proper education. During his own elementary years, the lack of resources meant he couldn’t attend school regularly. It was a battle against circumstances that seemed stacked against him. However, his unyielding determination and unbreakable spirit pushed him to overcome these hurdles. Those children who cannot afford to go to school every day because of financial constraints, like transportation fare, mirror what Jimboy experienced during his elementary days. This turning point crystallized his belief that education is not a privilege but a right that every child deserves. It was this belief that kindled the fire within him to make a difference.
Transitioning to junior high school, Jimboy embraced the role of a working student, supporting teachers and managing his own expenses. His diligence and commitment translated into academic success, earning him recognition and awards, including the titles of Journalism and Academic awardee. The hardships he endured during his formative years ignited a passion to ensure that no child should have to choose between education and survival. With each step forward in his academic journey, Jimboy’s resolve to create change grew stronger. Senior high school presented its own set of financial challenges, but Jimboy’s determination remained unshaken. He secured a summer job and saved diligently to cover his own schooling expenses. Despite the odds, he excelled academically and continued to contribute to extracurricular activities.
Now, as a fourth-year college student, Jimboy stands as a beacon of hope for young students who find themselves walking a path similar to his own. His commitment to providing free service teaching to children who lack access to education has become a lifeline, especially in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These children, facing closed school doors, are now welcomed into a small place in Purok 4, Katangawan General Santos City, where learning knows no bounds. Jimboy’s mission goes beyond academics; it’s about instilling hope, igniting dreams, and empowering the next generation. The young students he teaches are not just recipients of knowledge; they are the embodiment of resilience, determination, and untapped potential. Each face-to-face session, each lesson taught, is a step towards breaking the cycle of limited opportunities and paving the way for a brighter future.
At the heart of Jimboy Cawan Baba’s journey lies a profound truth – that education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. As he continues to guide the next generation through volunteerism and free service teaching, he not only elevates children’s education but also empowers them to reach for the stars, creating a ripple effect that will resonate for generations to come.
