A shot at a good start in education
WHEN not shooting hoops in the pro basketball league, Renren Ritualo spends his time with wife Margaux at the Children’s Little University (CLU) at No. 48 Samar Ave., Barangay South Triangle near ABS-CBN in Quezon City.
A graduate of early childhood education, major in guidance counseling and child psychology, from De La Salle University (DLSU), Ritualo, a nine-year veteran of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), is co-administrator of the five-year-old school.
Students are divided into: freshmen (1.5-2.5 years old), sophomores (2.6-3), juniors (3.6- 4 and a half), seniors (4.6-5.5) and transition (5.6-6.5).
“I love this job,” said Ritualo, who now plays for Meralco Bolts. Previously, the six-foot gunner suited up for Talk ’N Text and Air21 Express.
The only son of Maria “Baby” Ritualo, a former professor of psychology at the University of the East and associate editor of “The Forensic Digest” in Palm Springs, California, said education was always close to his heart.
“Even when he was playing basketball in college, Renren knew he must finish his studies,” said his mother.
Ritualo met the former Margaux Dizon at DLSU. Like him, she was interested in educating kids.
Margaux, CLU’s directress, said the school’s main priority was to maintain its excellent standards.
“I’m proud to say that our graduates eventually made it to Ateneo, Miriam, St. Paul, St. Theresa’s, St. Scholastica’s, Claret and other prestigious schools,” said Margaux, who stressed that enrollees learned through hands-on activities that were fun and interesting.
“As much as possible, a child explores actual objects. We make it a point to have culminating activities depending on the theme for the month. We also have field trips, sports fests and other fun games and activities,” she said.
She added that worksheets were done on a one-on-one basis.
“Our classroom is a warm, friendly place, with a careful balance between child-initiated and teacher-led activities,” said Margaux.
At present, one teacher has no more than 10 pupils. CLU’s high-caliber teaching staff includes supervisor Jazmin Faye Olivar and Maria Kamila Vizcocho. Both have Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Education degrees from St. Joseph’s College and Miriam College, respectively.
Another teacher is Vida Faith Lopez of Ateneo de Manila University. Both Lopez and Olivar are currently taking graduate courses in early childhood education.
The faculty is supported by teacher-aides.
“Our teachers use a multitude of direct and indirect strategies. They work to create a caring community, and promote friendships and collaborative learning,” said Margaux.
The Ritualos founded the school in 2007 with the support of Renren’s high school buddy Joker Carandang. CLU started with 14 students.
Enrollment steadily increased. Last year, the school had 30 enrollees. This year, the Ritualos are confident that CLU’s solid reputation will bring more students.
“My wife and I share the same passion. This is not purely business; this is about having an extended family,” said Ritualo, who makes it a point to interact and play with the kids during his free time.
CLU may be reached at 9200007 or 0921-9765946.
