Idea Carnival 2022

Despite the continuing challenges of the pandemic and online learning, the students of Mano Amiga once again proved their energy, creativity, and willingness to stand for individual and community empowerment amidst various social issues in the recently concluded “Idea Carnival’, a virtual open house. The event, which aimed to showcase student-led projects planned and implemented during Project-Based Learning (PBL), was held on Zoom and FB Live and attended by more than 600 viewers.

PBL is an education approach wherein students are asked to solve real-world problems using the lessons  they had learned in the classroom. A highlight from the lower school projects was Kinder Joy’s Talking Hands where students studied how to use simple sign language to facilitate easier communication with the Deaf community. Finding out about hearing impairment and the difficulties it brings made the students empathize and think of a way to be more inclusive and kind. In studying sign language, they were also able to share quality bonding with their parents and were empowered to teach their peers about it.

Another notable project was a Sleep Analysis study by Grade 6 students titled “Matulog Ay Di Biro”. After doing a survey, they found out that the majority of the Grade 10 students of Mano Amiga do not meet the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers, which may contribute to feeling tired and lacking focus during the day. The students emphasized the importance of good quality sleep for overall well-being and presented a sleep assessment tool that other students can use to find out if they’re getting the amount and quality of sleep they need.

Meanwhile, from the upper school, the Grade 10 student’s “Enlighten” project emphasized the importance of mental health and creating a safe space to learn and talk about it. As a response to the impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health, the group organized a webinar and created a website filled with mental health tips and other relevant resources. (Check it out at bit.ly/Enli10)

This quarter of PBL has led to various innovations. The opportunity and challenge to collaborate, listen, and effectively communicate have helped students, teachers, and parents build deeper connections and foster a socially-aware community of changemakers.