Significance of Human Rights of the Child

by: Euvic M. Ferrer

I personally believe that the law subject on the Human Rights of the Child could possibly be
one of the most important law subjects in the curriculum. I am not saying this to please the
teacher, rather, I am claiming this because of the goals and dreams I have set for myself.

Probably the most important function of education is its power to allow an educated person to
form his/her dreams freely. Luckily, I have been blessed for eight years of good quality
education, probably even the best in the Philippines, at a very low matriculation fee. I am one
of those who believe in the statement “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.” I
feel that I have been given the opportunity by the general taxpaying Filipino population, ergo, I
am expected to give back. I have made it my goal to give back.

In my years as a political science student, I have been “indoctrinated” by the sad realities of
feminist struggle. Our teachers made us see the World with a “gender” perspective. We talked
about women and the girl-child in courses on development, political philosophy, international
relations and even environmental politics. In other subjects, we were made to deal with the
sad realities in the country and the World. Outside classes, we exposed ourselves to ghastly
situations of abuse and marginalization. The exposure was not only “academic” it was almost a
“shared human experience”. Sometimes, we experienced it ourselves. The “indoctrination”
resulted to an advocacy.

My education has allowed me to dream. I have a dream for myself. Not a dream profession, but
a dream mission. I could be a teacher, a lawyer, or whatever but I will always have that
mission. My mission is to work for and specialize on marginalized sectors like women,
children, laborers, farmers, and fisherfolks. My mission is to change the attitude of the Filipino
youth towards these sectors. My mission is to help bridge the gap between the rich and the
poor, the oppressed and the oppressor. My mission is to make the rich realize that if it weren't
for the poor and the middle class, they would not have seen profit. My mission, as a whole, is
to let the people understand that the marginalized groups are groups of people; that
women and members of the sexual minority are people; that farmers are people. My
mission is to let others know that all members of the marginalized sectors are
breathing, eating, feeling, living multi-cellular creatures of the same human species not
worthless mounds of human flesh.

Before I entered law school, I wanted to pursue a Masteral degree and a teaching carreer. Like
my teachers, I wanted to help change the mentality and the conscience of the future Filipino
youth. Now that I am attempting to break into the legal profession, I want to convert my
energy and services to a sector that is usually misunderstood, marginalized and neglected
because of the absence of “financial rewards”.

This is why this subject is very important to me. This subject has direct connection to my
mission. If ever I will become a lawyer, I will need all the help I can get in laws for women and
the girl-child. If my success at the Bar is as elusive as utopia for these marginalized sectors, at
least I have gained a lot of knowledge. As I've said, it's not about the profession I am in, but the
amount of knowledge I have so that I can pursue my mission for my country.

Wish me luck.