Byaheng Kaalaman: Teaching to empower out-of-school children in marginalized communities

Sadat Minandang, PhD is a School Principal of Lugay-Lugay Central School and proponent of the innovative ‘Byaheng Kaalaman’ project to deliver education services for out-of-school children in marginalized communities which has garnered both local and international recognition. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)

 

Teachers are often seen only as figures standing in front of a classroom, but their impact reaches far beyond those four walls. For Teacher Sadat Minandang, PhD, a dedicated educator in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), teaching is not just confined to the classroom. His commitment to empower out-of-school children in remote and marginalized communities became a breakthrough for the “Byaheng Kaalaman” project.

 

As the school principal of Lugay-Lugay Central School under the Cotabato City Schools Division Office (SDO) of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), he has witnessed and recognized the educational challenges faced by the community, particularly the high number of students at risk of dropping out of school.

 

“Out-of-school children face unique educational challenges, including poverty, conflict and limited access to resources. This made me want to advocate for their well-being and ensure they have access to nutritious meals, healthcare and emotional support,”  Minandang said.

 

This program, which translates to “Mobile Knowledge,” has made a significant impact on the lives of countless Bangsamoro children by increasing school enrollment rates, improving literacy, and empowering communities to take an active role in their children’s education.

 

Minandang’s commitment to children extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing that we are the hope and the architects of their dream towards a prosperous future. 

 

His innovative “Byaheng Kaalaman” project has garnered both local and international recognition.

 

How did it all begin?

Dr. Minandang, 43, from Cotabato City, lost his father at a very young age. His mother worked tirelessly to provide for him and his. His eldest brother, understanding the financial strain, took different jobs to support the family. 

 

“Despite our best efforts, school costs remained a significant obstacle. I stayed with my relatives and learned the value of hard work and took various jobs while studying,” he said.

Determined to graduate and provide for his family someday, he earned a scholarship, giving him a chance to pursue his passion for education.

 

In 2002, he graduated from Shariff Kabunsuan College, Inc. with a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED).  His determination was unwavering, fueled by a deep desire to make a difference in the world.

 

But before becoming a full-fledged teacher, he was an active volunteer in humanitarian work and trained for almost four years with a non-governmental organization as a psychosocial facilitator, researcher, and community organizer.

 

“As I experienced the suffering and displacement firsthand, I felt a deep desire to help internally displaced people and provide them with resources like food, clothing, and conducting psychosocial intervention that helps students cope with the trauma of displacement,” Minandang disclosed. 

 

In early 2013, Minandang began his journey as a public school teacher at Amirol Elementary School. Driven by a deep commitment to helping others, he often sacrificed personal time to support struggling students and out-of-school children. This dedication led him to create the Tulak Kaalaman initiative, meaning “Push for Knowledge,” where he used a pushcart loaded with books, notebooks, and other school supplies as a mobile classroom. This cart became a symbol of his mission, bringing learning to marginalized youth in underserved communities.

In 2013, Minandang started the Tulak Kaalaman project which later became the

Byaheng Kaalaman project which served several out-of-school youth in Cotabato City.

(Photo courtesy of Sadat Minandang)

 

Over time, the initiative evolved into what he now calls Byaheng Kaalaman. Minandang’s journey continues, as he works tirelessly to connect children across the region with opportunities for growth and knowledge. Through this initiative, Minandang reached out to out-of-school youth from Cotabato City to Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, offering educational resources and lessons to children who had limited access to formal education.

 

Minandang’s passion to share knowledge to out-of-school youth from the marginalized

communities serves as the beacon of hope for the learners.  (Photo courtesy of Sadat Minandang)

 

He has been praised for his innovative educational approach, which creates an engaging learning environment and has received recognition both locally and internationally.

 

“I want to help to address the educational challenges faced by children in marginalized communities because of socio-economic hardship and poverty. I experienced working tirelessly to find resources to support my education,” he said.

 

His strong commitment to student growth led to his promotion to Master Teacher and then to Teacher-In-Charge of Darping Elementary School, where his dedication and passion quickly earned him recognition.

 

Minandang’s dedication to education continued to shine as he was promoted to Principal of Lugay-Lugay Central School. In this role, he spearheaded initiatives that enhanced the school’s academic performance and fostered a positive learning environment.

 

Among his recognitions are the “Ulirang Guro” award in 2018, the Grand Winner of the 2020 Search for WeMake Innovation Ambassador Award, a peace finalist in BARMM, and the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan Award in 2021.

 

He was also named one of the Outstanding Teachers in Southeast Asia by the Thailand-based Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) Foundation in 2019 and was a Global Teacher Prize Finalist and Ambassador for the Varkey Foundation and Dubai Cares at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2023.

 

“I am deeply honored to receive these awards, this recognition is a testament to the power of touching the lives and the importance of making learning meaningful for students,” he shared.

 

Impacting marginalized communities

Later, the Byaheng Kaalaman initiative impacted the lives of sixteen (16) Badjao learners who have officially enrolled at Lugay-Lugay Central School, providing them with school supplies and regular meals with the support of partner stakeholders.

 

Accordingly, this project delivered and collected school modules in communities with regular feeding programs during the pandemic and presented certificates and diplomas to graduates in their respective homes.

 

“Byaheng Kaalaman serves out of school children including Indigenous People, Badjao learners and provides psycho-social intervention for individual displaced persons through a supportive learning environment that addresses academic, social and emotional needs,” said Minandang.

 

His strong commitment serves as a beacon of hope, ensuring that no Bangsamoro learner is left behind in the current government’s education agenda. Minandang embodies the spirit of Byaheng Kaalaman, a journey of knowledge that empowers and inspires.

 

“I hope we have more teachers who can be encouraged to do such initiatives, because small things can have a huge impact on children,” Minandang said.

 

Minandang’s journey from a struggling child to a successful and respected educator empowering out-of-school youth is an inspiration to all. He embodies the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of his students and the community he serves.

 

His story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to helping others can lead to extraordinary achievements. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

(Johaira Sahidala)