In our July 2022 newsletter, we reported the completion of our six-month long community collaborative (“Bayanihan Pabasa”) program to help bridge the literacy and numeracy gap resulting from the almost two years (Covid-imposed) school shut-down at the Baruyan Elementary School (BES).
The home-schooling modular teaching approach during this time proved that it only worked so far, as some families did not have the wherewithal to substitute for the learning that traditionally took place with the students and a teacher in the classroom .
While this program mitigated some of the literacy gaps, the start of the new school year this September demonstrated the need to sustain our efforts. The struggle to catch up on their reading grade levels continue for some of the 400 students at BES continue. Absent any sustained intervention, ,many students will continue to fall below their grade levels in literacy and numeracy; for some it may mean a life-long deterioration in learning and development.
We encouraged the Principal and the teachers to design a literacy and numeracy program, identify the students at risk, with the promise of funding such program in the school’s library.
On November 2, 2022, such program was launched, with 150 students from Grades 3-6 participating. UNLAD is funding a librarian; additional reading and reading material were also provided, some of which came directly from our benefactors. Note that the teachers all voluntarily support this program, dedicating their own time and energy over and beyond their already heavy load.
The program goals include: to have a functional reading space - the library; increase reading literacy of the participants by at least 2% from a baseline of 78%; and to foster a genuine love for reading. BES administration and teachers are committed to monitor this outcome on a quarterly basis, with each participant expected to produce the following projects respectively:
3rd Grade: Word flashcards; picture dictionary; album of poems
4th Grade: Simple note cards; booklet of fables; anecdotes
5th Grade: Reading journals; Album, story elements; Self-made poems
6th Grade: Reading journals; Collection of sayings; Self-made stories
We are excited to support this work and cannot wait to see the achievement of these goals, specially the students’ completed projects! We are grateful to the BES School Principal, Ms. Erlinda Laguerta, Master Teacher Lorenda Hatulan, and Teachers Ligaya Rayos and Donna Calanog for their leadership and to each of the teachers - for their unwavering commitment to the students’ learning.
