A teacher’s journey from SOS Children’s Villages Philippines to motherhood

 

Parents will always be a child’s first teacher, even more so if the parent has been a teacher in the classroom. Nemie’s life as a teacher embodies her commitment to learning and teaching her children and students. She is affectionately called Nanay (mother in Tagalog) or Teacher Nemie. 

 

Nemie has taught for over 16 years and currently teaches Grade 1 in an elementary school in Tacloban. Education is a huge part of her life, something her mother in SOS Children’s Villages instilled in her and a value she instilled in her four sons.  

 

Nanay Nemie's road to becoming a teacher was long and arduous, and she initially did not choose it.  

 

Nemie was 12 when SOS Children’s Villages took her in after she lost her biological parents. As she lived in her new home, her new mama, Mama Rufina, ensured that Nemie focused on her education. Her mama didn’t even let her or the other children in the house do a lot of chores, which meant they could focus on studying.  

 

Mama Rufina was determined to ensure Nemie didn’t fall behind in her studies, as she saw her potential to become a great teacher. Nemie initially didn’t want to pursue a degree in education, but she heeded her mama’s advice.  

 

When Nemie reached high school, she decided to live independently. By living on only her savings without asking for help from anyone, Nemie learned how to be responsible for her own life. Even if she got into the good graces of her relatives, Nemie worked hard to prove to SOS Children’s Villages that she could stand on her own two feet. “I will uphold my decision to live independently because I chose this life.”  

 

Nemie became the first person from SOS Children’s Villages Philippines in Tacloban to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), and her achievement inspired many others in the SOS Village to follow in her footsteps. Even after graduation, Nemie continued working hard to be self-sustaining. From filing her application to LET to becoming a teacher, Nemie persevered and steered her ship.  

 

Photo by Koleen Dionisio.

 

Nemie’s first teaching job was at a private school, where she became known as the “dancing teacher” because of her lively and animated teaching style. “It’s a good thing I heeded my mama's words,” when she realized she had a knack for teaching.  

 

Her dedication to teaching was also reflected in how she raised her four sons. Nemie and her husband infused every moment with life lessons, whether through chores or simple conversations at the dinner table. They were always preparing their sons for the day they would have their own families.  

 

Nemie is heavily invested in her children’s education. She pins their medals to a dedicated spot on the wall as a reminder to strive for excellence and dream big. Her sons receive constant encouragement to succeed. They are growing up in an optimistic and compassionate environment and have learned to face difficulty in stride.  

 

Having lost her parents, Nemie gives 110% to ensure her sons feel loved. Together with her husband, they have built a loving home and family. 

 

Parenthood makes you your children’s first teacher, and loving your children means guiding them to become their best selves.