I see this beautiful young girl, a student at the Baruyan Elementary School (BES) and wonder: what does she dream of, and what will it take to make her dreams come true?
We’ve been in the Philippines since early February, staying mostly in our farmhouse near the school. It is a slow life, as each day starts with the sound of a rooster crowing and ends with the sight of birds flying home at sunset. The highlight of our days is visiting BES, observing the progress on our “Library Literacy and Numeracy ” project, listening to the teachers’ wishes and aspirations, and delighting in watching the students’ enthusiasm and sense of wonder.
We are grateful and pleased to share the progress in UNLAD’s work since our last update:
LIBRARY LITERACY/NUMERACY PROGRAM
Launched in November, 2022, our goal was to increase reading and numeracy literacy by 2% from a baseline of 78%. We also created a functional program space in the library, and hired a librarian to supervise the after-school work.
Of 400 total students, 150 participants, grades 3-6, were identified by each teacher; each teacher responsible for evaluating individual improvement at the end of each of the 6 grading periods.
As of the end of the 2nd grading period, 34 of the students show improvement (or 22% of the total participants). The highest improvement was with the 5th graders.
There is much more work to be done… we’ll keep going.
NEEDS-BASED FINANCIAL AID
K-6 Students
We support 2 students per grade, including special education students (total: 15) in paying for out-of-pocket expenses including supplies and uniforms. Our commitment is to provide this twice per school year, once at the beginning and once in the middle. We started the year with provisioning supplies; this time we supplied the students with uniforms. The joy evident on each child’s face, seeing the new uniforms and shoes is genuinely rewarding.
Collegiate Level Scholarships
Joining our three collegiate scholars is Giemalinedevie Culis, a freshman studying Education, major in English at the Mindoro State University. What “Malin” wrote in her application was moving and inspiring: “Financial issues are one of the most prevalent issues for students like me. I provide manicures or sell some ice pops and candies to lessen the financial stress on my family. I’ve had to face challenges that made me strong, so in a way, I am grateful for that. My goals are to finish my degree, continue my education, enhance my leadership and become an example for my family and friends. I’d like to help my family and help others. I want to discover God, my place in the universe and happiness. I’m confident I can do this, and it will be worthwhile.
Transportation Service for High-School Students
TThe cost of taking a tricycle to and from the nearest high-school has become a choice between going to school and food for some families. We’re now funding a service for 20 Baruyan students, a service that has not only decreased absenteeism and truancy; it has also provided income to our local jeepney drivers. A small act, a win-win for many.
The LITO CANTOS OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD
We met Lito Cantos when he volunteered to head up the Sports After-School Program that we launched in 2019. We witnessed Lito’s commitment and dedication to the development and growth of the program participants. Lito passed suddenly two years ago, and since then, we’ve wanted to honor and memorialize his legacy.
An inclusive and extensive application and selection process was undertaken by Principal Laguerta; with Ms. Ligaya Ramos and Ms. Donalyn Calanog emerging as the awardees for 2022 and 2023. UNLAD contributed a lap-top for each of the awardees, a coveted prize for all teachers at BES.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and your kind and thoughtful support. By providing our underserved youth with access to education, together, we are helping dreams come true, one small act at a time.