How Financial Issues Create More Working Students

The term “working student” feels somewhat paradoxical.

Students are supposed to study to work, not work to study.

This dynamic reflects deeper socio-economic issues, particularly financial instability, that force many young students to juggle both education and employment. Together, let’s understand how financial issues create more working students and their root causes and explore how we can collectively make a difference.

Status of Education Poverty in the Philippines

The educational landscape in the Philippines is marred by significant financial barriers. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, 15.5 percent of Filipinos, or about 17.54 million Filipinos were considered as poor in 2023.

This economic hardship directly impacts education, with many students dropping out due to financial constraints. According to the World Bank, learning poverty in the Philippines was 91% in 2022, which indicates that around nine out of every ten children aged ten are incapable of reading simple text.

Financial difficulties often lead to students taking on part-time or even full-time jobs to support their schooling. The burden of balancing work and study can be overwhelming, affecting their academic performance and overall well-being.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of working students in the Philippines has significantly risen from 872,000 in 2020 to more than 1.48 million in 2022. But there are a lot of children, often in more isolated areas of the country, that are unclassified by government statistics. These children are unfortunately often left with no choice but to contribute to the overall family income by working in farms or streets, instead of going to school and pursuing education – which can be pretty expensive .

In some families, contributing financially is an expectation, a way for students to share the responsibility and lighten the load for their parents.

There are a few factors that contribute to the increasing number of working students in the Philippines:

• Economic Instability: With many families living paycheck to paycheck, students are compelled to contribute to household income. This necessity often leads them to seek employment, even if it means compromising their studies.
• Rising Educational Costs: Tuition fees, school supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses add up, making it difficult for families to afford quality education. Scholarships and financial aid are available but not sufficient to meet the needs of all students.
• Limited Access to Financial Aid: While there are scholarships and government programs designed to assist students, the application processes can be competitive and complex. Not all students qualify, and even those who do might still need additional income.
• Family Responsibilities: In many Filipino households, older children are expected to help support younger siblings or contribute to the family’s financial needs. This cultural expectation adds another layer of responsibility to their already demanding lives.
• Desire for Independence: Some students work to gain financial independence and relieve the burden on their families. This sense of responsibility, while commendable, often leads to a grueling schedule that can affect their health and academic performance.

There’s Hope

Despite these challenges, there is hope for working students. Numerous initiatives and support systems can help them manage their dual roles more effectively, allowing them to thrive both academically and professionally.

Educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the unique needs of working students and are offering:

• Flexible Learning Options: Educational institutions are increasingly offering flexible learning options, such as evening classes, online courses, and modular systems. These alternatives allow students to balance work and study more efficiently.
• Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, provide scholarships, grants, and financial aid specifically for working students. These funds can significantly reduce the financial burden and allow students to focus more on their studies.
• Student Support Services: Schools and universities recognize working students’ unique needs and offer support services like counseling, academic advising, and career services. These resources can help students navigate their academic and professional journeys more successfully.
• Community and Peer Support: Building a strong support network can make a world of difference. Encouraging working students to connect with peers, join study groups, and seek mentorship can provide them with the emotional and academic support they need.

Lending A Helping Hand

Working while studying has become a norm in most Filipino households. Despite it being widely accepted by many, it’s still an unfortunate position for young students to be in. Creating a supportive environment for working students requires a collective effort from various sectors of society:

• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can implement more flexible learning schedules, provide targeted financial aid, and establish dedicated support services for working students. Understanding and accommodating their unique needs can lead to better academic outcomes.
• Government Initiatives: The government can increase funding for education, streamline financial aid processes, and expand scholarship programs. Policies that address the root causes of poverty can also have a long-term positive impact on education.
• Employers: Businesses that hire students should offer flexible working hours, fair wages, and growth opportunities. Employers can also provide internships and apprenticeships that align with students’ fields of study, giving them valuable work experience while supporting their education.
• Community Organizations: NGOs, community groups, and religious organizations can offer tutoring, mentorship programs, and financial assistance. By creating a network of support, these organizations can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by working students.

Organizations like My Dream in a Shoebox revolve around empowering underserved communities by providing crucial educational resources.

• Individuals: Each of us can play a role by offering support and understanding to working students in our communities. Your contribution and donation support My Dream in a Shoebox’s various initiatives, including Dream Kits, Educational Hubs, and scholarships, all aimed at arming students with the tools they need to excel in their education.

Help My Dream in a Shoebox reach more and more underserved kids and communities and offer them a better chance at education today. By donating to My Dream in a Shoebox, you wield the ability to select the avenue through which you’d like to make a difference:

• Dream Kits are filled with essential school supplies, tools, and resources crucial for a student’s educational journey.

• Educational Hubs with functional laptops equipped with reliable internet connectivity and printing facilities.

• Sponsoring a scholar’s education for an entire year, laying the foundation for their academic success.

Understanding all of the elements that contribute to this growth and analyzing techniques to help these learners can help create a more equitable and supportive learning environment.

Together, we can ensure that students can focus on their studies and build a brighter future without the added burden of financial strain. Join us in making that change. Pledge your support today!