The Voices of Learners: Lived Experiences of Child Labor in the Municipality of San Fernando District I

This study was conducted to hear and uncover the learners' voices on their experience with child labor and learners' performance in San Fernando 1 District, Division of Bukidnon, SY 2024-2025. Specifically, this study considered the voices of learners who are victims of child labor, and the emergent themes are derived from the dominant codes in adjustment challenges, as observed through learners' lived experiences. The study identified only five (5) learners who have been reported and noted as victims of child labor as far as the student records and the community records are concerned. This study followed the phenomenological qualitative research design. Purposive Sampling was used as a sampling procedure in this study. The voices of learners who have endured child labor emphasize the vital roles of perseverance, family responsibility, and education in the face of adversity. Their call for change resonates with a plea to prioritize education, eradicate exploitative practices, and pave the way for a brighter future for all children. Furthermore, the study's themes highlight the complexities of child labor, underscoring perseverance, family responsibility, and its impact on education. Learners' experiences highlight the necessity to balance familial needs with educational pursuits, shedding light on the challenges and lessons learned. Advocating for change and prioritizing education, their voices call for a collective effort to address exploitative practices and shape a more hopeful future for all affected children.