Jana* (Could Not Buy Consideration) is only 8 years old. She is in grade 2. She is our regular student in the tutorial center and she comes almost everyday. She is always brought by her overly demanding mother.
We are actually wondering why Jana is always brought to the center as she is smart enough. She doesn't need a tutor. But her mom usually answers, 'She got 2 mistakes in her test. I don't like that. I like a perfect score.' To that, we have nothing more to say.
As the school year is nearly through. Jana comes every afternoon for a 2-hour tutorial. But one day, the girl spoke in a very weak voice. 'Mama, I'm so sleepy...' and indeed, she was. She could barely open her eyes. So, I told the mom that I think Jana needs to rest and to come back next time when the girl is all right. But mom answered 'No, she's just acting up..' (Nag iinarte lang yan.) I turned to our Officer-in-Charge but her look told me to take the girl in. So, I did.
I asked Jana if she is ok and why she is so sleepy. She said she usually wakes up at 4am, her mom teaches her for 30 minutes, then she would prepare to go to school as her class starts at 6am. After her class, she comes to our center for 2-hour tutorial. And after this she goes home to be tutored by her aunt. She would eat dinner and study again until 9pm, then she sleeps. That's the way it is every day.
I looked at Jana and saw an unhappy, smelly, uncombed and exhausted girl with an inconsiderate mother. I didn't like what I saw. I went to the faculty room and cried. That was one of those times that I feel helpless and useless. Jana didn't need us, she needed rest, and we can't give it to her..
*not real name
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