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CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida: Mobile Learning and Heroism

by Yoshke Dimen

Balloons flooded SM Mall of Asia Music Hall as supporters welcome a true hero — Efren Penaflorida, a teacher and social worker who has been recognized as one of this year's CNN Heroes for his advocacy to educate Filipino youth through "kariton" classes.

Hundreds came to the rally to show their support including host TJ Manotoc, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenny, Cavite Mayor Bernardo Paredes, rock band Hale, and the faculty and students of Cavite City National High School and PalmRidge School. Of course, present were the volunteers of Dynamic Teen Company, which Efren referred to in his speech as the "true heroes" as he was merely representing them.

Globe Tattoo Broadband is one with the Filipino people in supporting our very own CNN Hero. Providing 3G broadband internet connections at the rally in support of Efren, Globe Tattoo Broadband enabled many to cast their votes on the spot to bring him closer to the coveted CNN Hero of the Year title.

Mobile learning is something new in the Philippines but a very welcome advocacy. The Dynamic Teen Company's project of teaching basic reading and writing to 1500 children in slum areas over the past 12 years by way of a "kariton klasrum" is heroic to say the least. Education should not be restricted within the classroom walls, especially if many of our children don't even get a chance to go to school. Kudos to the people who bring the school (and what it represents) to the children who has the streets as their only place for education.

Efren is not alone. Certainly, there are still others who go out of their way to share opportunities to learn to the unfortunate. What's even more encouraging is that after the onslaught of Ondoy and Pepeng, we have proven that there's a hero in all of us.

We have the people, the will power, and the technology. Mobile learning is not a star in the distance. Our tools today allow us to bring knowledge even in the most remote places. The Internet is such a rich pool of information, of ideas, of hope for the future. We can utilize what we have handy to learn and educate ourselves; better yet, to make miracles, to inspire others, to emerge as heroes in our own little ways.

If there's one thing Efren has taught us, it's that sometimes we need to think out of the box (or out of the classroom) to make great things possible.

Read more about Kuya Ef's inspiring story here.