We’ve completed another school year, and are pleased to share this year’s highlights:
In the Philippines…
Baruyan Elementary School
Literacy /Numeracy Program:
To mitigate the learning gaps from schools being closed as a result of the pandemic, UNLAD facilitated launching this program in November, 2022. Teachers identified 178 3rd-6th graders needing intervention ; we refurbished the library'; and hired a librarian to help organize materials and track student progress. The program aimed to increase each participant’s reading literacy at least 2%, create a functional reading place in the school library, and to foster genuine love for reading. We are pleased to report that at the end of this school year, only 10 of the 178 students tested as “non-readers”.
Scholarships:
15 Students from K-6, identified by the teachers as having the strongest financial need, received monthly financial aid to pay for their supplies, uniforms, and food allowance. These students have not only received passing grades, some of them have demonstrated excellent class standings.
Teacher Achievement Awards:
This school year marked the initiation of the LIto Cantos Award, in honor of a BES teacher who exemplified dedication and commitment. Mr. Cantos passed away suddenly in 2021. Following a rigorous application process, this year’s awardees , Ms. Ligaya Rayos and Ms. Donalyn Calanog, were selected by the School Principal, supported by the BES teachers. They individually received a laptop.
Transportation Services to the High-School :
Responding to the discovery that the cost of transportation to the local high-school had become an impediment to attending school, we undertook providing transportation to 20 students based on financial need. The attendance records of these students have markedly improved, as have their grades.
Collegiate Scholarships:
Our four college female scholars have completed this year’s courses and moving forward to: Third Year in Civil Engineering; Third Year in Architecture; Second Year in Nursing and Second Year in Teaching.
In the U.S. A. …
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC)
We are focusing on providing access to immigrants or first generation American youth who demonstrate financial need. This year, the UNLAD scholarship fund supported a female immigrant from China and a male immigrant from Iran. They both enrolled in PVCC”s Workforce Services Division providing skills-training and readiness for employment.
Other Scholarships in the US
We continue to seek and support youth at all levels; our high-school scholar is thriving, completing this past year with stellar grades!
Thank you for your interest and support…
We are ever so grateful for the progress we have made, and for the encouragement and support you have generously provided. Wishing you a joyful and restful summer!