Angel Queen Undang Ninal Teacher 1- Social Science Teacher Calatrava National High School- Malanog Annex Brgy. Malanog, Calatrava, Negros Occidental 09317186281 peabrainpotter@gmail.com AngelQueenPotter @fb.com Rationale / Objectives of the Study In the present, the process of adapting and analysing through changing life goals are seen in the context of changes over the years in the nature of the plantation of life. However these changes were not only seen on those adults who dedicated their lives working on sugarcane plantation but also on those young sakadas who strive to rise in the situation they are in. In the Philippines, there has been initiatives in the policy levels of the Philippine government, UNICEF, ILO and other stakeholders regarding the removal of the engagement of young people in these kind of work. Since it is considered as one of the most dangerous workplace for a child. Rationale / Objectives of the Study However, due to the young people’s initiative, there still remains young sakadas who are fighting their way towards their goals. This study therefore aims to discover how these young sakadas strive on their daily lives and narrate their experiences. Another objective of the study is to raise awareness and strengthen initiative among stakeholders , local government units and other organization to provide programs that can help support these young sakadas and their community. METHODS Research Design The research study mad use of qualitative method approach. Qualitative research is the process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting non-numerical data, such as language. Qualitative research can be used to understand how an individual subjectively perceives and gives meaning to their social reality. This type of data can be collected using diary accounts or in-depth interviews, and analysed using grounded theory or thematic analysis. Narrative inquiry can reveal unique perspectives and deeper understanding of a situation. Often giving voice to marginalized populations whose perspective is not often sought. This study made use of interview, qualitative survey, recordings and focus groups. METHODS Specifically, this study used narrative inquiry research design. Narrative research is a strategy of inquiry in which the researcher studies the lives of individuals and asks one or more individuals to provide stories about their lives. This information is then often retold or re-storied by the researcher into a narrative chronology. In the end, the narrative combines views from the participant’s life with those of the researcher’s life in a collaborative narrative (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000). PARTICIPANTS The participants of the study are five students of Calatrava National High SchoolMalanog Annex from grades 8-12 respectively. They are also noted and identified to be young sakadas who are working and showcases interest in school despite of the situation they are in. INSTRUMENT The researcher used an interview to gather information about the study. It is a structured interview that allows both the interviewer and the interviewee to explore additional points and change direction, if necessary. A qualitative data collection method, in–depth interview offer the opportunity to capture rich, descriptive data about how people think and behave. The interview guide used open–ended questions that allow respondents to provide detailed stories of their experiences, asking questions worded to elicit narratives, and consisting of a minimum number of broad primary questions that compliments the probing questions. Data Gathering Procedure 1. The researcher sent a letter to the participant including the informed consent agreement to be field up with the parent or guardians which includes the explanation of the research. 2. The researcher made use of in-depth interview to gather pertinent data about the study. 3. Participants were interviewed individually and were scheduled on different dates. 4. Interviews were conducted on the students sakadas workplace. 5. An independent review was conducted by an external auditor who is well-versed and experienced in the field of qualitative research. 6. Responses were transcribe and the transcripts were reviewed for accuracy before proceeding to the data analysis. Data Analysis The researcher made use of the thematic narrative analysis which was describe by Smith (2016) as having exclusive focus is on the content within the whole story. The researcher followed Glesne’s (2016) five stages of thematic narrative analysis which includes (a) organization and preparation of data, (b) obtaining a general since of information, (c) the coding process, (d) category or themes and (e) interpretation of data. Sequencing of data analysis: 1. Transcribing audio tapes 2. Coding process 3. Theming 4. Retelling Data Verification and Validation The researcher conducted an internal validity through member checking where in the researcher shared the interview transcripts, themes, story plot and drafts of the final report with the participants to ensure the proper and accurate representation and their ideas. An external audit review was also done by an expert in the field of qualitative research. Ethical Consideration Anonymity and Confidentiality and Beneficence are the ethical considerations chosen by the researcher. Summary of Findings I. Uncertain Start: Setting foot in the Sugarcane Plantation Generally, the participants of the study had the same feeling and sentiments, both when they came up with their decision to be sakadas and when they started working. They were pushed and full to the roller coaster of emotions that they felt. They were curious, anxious, hesitant and afraid at the start. They have known the background of the work through their parents, yet they stepped into the puddle bravely. Technically, the assumptions and perceptions were cleared. Worries and anxieties to the welfare of their well-being is also repeatedly mentioned in the statements of the participants. Summary of Findings II.UNCERTAINTY TO EAGERNESS: Sakada Realization The participants also expressed their eagerness and excitement in the middle of their hesitations and uncertainties. Realizations had been made and their perceptions, confirmed. They started to show their tenacity in taking on heavy tasks in sugarcane production and slowly but surely familiarizing themselves. They also came up with the realization that they had to focus in their studies and make sure it won’t get compromised as they adjusted from time to time. As they start to dig deeper in their journey, some concernes emerged like certain health issues, missed assignments and exhaustion. Summary of Findings III. CHANGE OF HEARTS: Embracing The Life Of A Young Sakada The changes that was brought by their experience as sakadas abled them to make major adjustments. These adjustmets played a vital role in the journeys of the participants. The young sakadas emphasized a big adjustment as the workloads started to cause strain and demanded a lot of their time. The transition to being in school during the weekdays and as sakadas on the weekends is also an adjustment that took a toll on them. The participants also noted that the changes that occurred before them tested their decision-making and determination to continue the work in the plantation. The amount of time to prepare for work and the time they offered to learn the ins and out of the workplace and balancing their studies were also a major adjustment. However, these tenacious beings embraced the changes and stood up for their decision to continue. Summary of Findings IV. IN A NUTSHELL: Challenges Faced by the Young Sakadas Health issues in the workplace were significantly emphasized by the participants. The threat to their health, noting that they are still at their teenage years, is definitely a major concern and challenge that they are facing. Low wage is also noted by one of the participants, being not enough or just enough to cater all their needs. They also noted that there are many works to be done, emphasizing on the heaviness of the loads that they carry. The feeling of being overwhelmed to responding to the requirements of completing each tasks for both school and work is also evident. Summary of Findings V. THE SILVER LINING: Appreciation to the Fruits of their Labour However, all the participants were determined and ready to conquer the challenges in front of them. They expressed their appreciation to their chosen paths, as student sakadas, with pride and greatfulness. They appreciated the fruit of their labour no matter how small it was. The changes that happened to them became their strengths; the ones that they are not afraid to show to the world. They were pleased with their efforts and moved with the fact that they helped their family. They embodied hardwork and perseverance as they pave their own way to answer the crisis that gatekept them to success. Little by little carving a path for them to walk through. Realizations such as developing social engagement, respect, passion, bravery, provision and determination that brought justice to their sweats and tears was greatly expressed and emphasized. Conclusion This study came up with the conclusion that working in the plantation life is not as easy as some of us think. It requires a huge amount of guts and determination to come up with a decision to expose yourself in a kind of work that is considered one of the hazardous workplace for children. Their journey as sakadas were first greeted with worries and anxieties. They faced different challenges that made them expressed their frustrations, exhaustion and hesitations. The weight of the job was deeply felt by the participants, but all of them accepted the challenge and wore their hearts on their sleeves; keeping their personal goals in mind. Working as a young sakada demanded a lot of perseverance and bravery from decision making to the actual work. Nonetheless, this study showed that it is achievable, as long as you are determined and hardworking. Recommendations Schools Division Superintendent and District Supervisors. Projects tending to the needs of the teachers in terms of monitoring the performance of the students is recommended. The researcher also recommends programs and broad action that looks into the welfare of student workers. Securing facilities and resources for the far-flung schools that would cater to the needs of the students such as updated books, libraries and reading centers. School Heads. The researcher recommends that the school heads exert more effort to look at the time spent by the teaching staffs in their home visitations. School heads are also recommended to identify those working students in there areas to that they can be easily monitored by the teachers. Teachers. Taking seminars and trainings that enhances their skills in handling special cases of students is recommended by the researcher. Monitoring of students performance and activities that would help student worker catch up with the lesson is also appreciated. Recommendations Parents. Supervision, support and guidance to the welfare of their children is highly recommended by the researcher. Strengthening of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to ensure the communication of the school and the household is also recommended. Learners. Restrictions to the type of part-time jobs that they want to enter is recommended by the researcher. It also recommended that they prioritize their studies, health and well-being above anything else. Local Government Unit. The researcher recommends to create programs that would highlight the local farmers of the sugarcane sector and create medical operation to tend to the health needs of the sakadas. Future Implementers. Further studies that covers the journey of young sakadas is highly encouraged and recommended. Outcomes of the Study The journey of the young sakadas in the sugar plantation were presented and narrated in the best way possible. The researcher made sure that the contributions of the participants in the completion of the study were recognized. Adding of all the efforts and years spent by these young sakadas; each with respective inspiration, dreams and reasons under their belts; these students sakadas ventured the unknown territory in which many of us are not familiar with. Their struggles, frustrations, aspirations and convictions will somehow be known. 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Ten hypotheses about socioeconomic gradients and community differences in children’s developmentaloutcomes.< http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/sp/sdc/pkrf/publications/research/2003#001272/page00.shtml> (Version current at September 10, 2007) “JOURNEYING INTO THE LIVES OF YOUNG SAKADAS: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY” Social Science Teacher Calatrava National High School- Malanog Annex Angel Queen U. Ninal