Abstract:
The ATE (Ako, Tayo, Edukasyon) Academy is an educational program based in the
Museo Pambata that is a joint project between the museum and ChildHope Asia. The project
is an informal education project for the children typically found roaming Luneta Park, Roxas
Boulevard, and the Pier area. The study aimed to describe the perceptions on the self and
identity of the students of the ATE Academy. It had looked, as well, into the way they perceive
others to see them. The study employed the methods of observation, drawing, and interview
as a multi-modal approach at understanding the perception of the students. The study
gathered the participation of nine of students from the program. The students had described
themselves in terms of reflexive descriptions— when asked who they are, they answer
“Ako”— personality traits, skills, physical characteristics, emotions, roles, and goals. Of note
are the emotiveness in their self-description and their understanding of themselves through
the lens of others. The study, thus, suggests the incorporation of psycho-social programs into
the curriculum of the students to further their understanding and appreciation of the self, as
well as to aid the processing of their emotions.
