Community Role in Literacy Program

CEBU CITY – On Thursday, Shalaine Marie Lucero, the regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas (DSWD-7), underscored the critical role of community involvement in the success of the national tutoring program “Tara, Basa.” This literacy program seeks to address illiteracy and enhance reading abilities among Filipino children by bringing together college students, young learners, and their guardians.

The “Tara, Basa” program is a robust literacy initiative designed to foster a love for reading and improve reading literacy in the Philippines. By involving various community stakeholders, the program aims to create a supportive environment for young learners, thereby addressing educational disparities and strengthening literacy skills at a grassroots level.

Program Overview and Implementation

The 20-day tutoring program, which runs from July 1 to 26 in Cebu City, except on weekends, is proceeding as planned. The DSWD field office has meticulously organized the program by identifying coordinators from 67 public elementary schools and collaborating with 57 barangay captains who have committed to participating in this nationwide effort.

These coordinators play a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring the tutors throughout the program. Their responsibilities include overseeing tutoring sessions and ensuring that the educational activities align with the program’s goals. Youth workers are tasked with maintaining the safety and well-being of both college students and young learners during the tutoring sessions. This careful planning and community involvement are crucial for the effective execution of the literacy program.

Lucero highlighted that the program’s success relies heavily on community engagement. She emphasized, “The program is important in bolstering the learners’ reading literacy.” By integrating various community elements into the program, “Tara, Basa” aims to provide a comprehensive support system for young learners, ensuring they receive the attention and resources needed to improve their reading skills.

Expansion and Partnerships

This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the importance of reading literacy in the Philippines and a commitment to addressing educational challenges nationwide.

To facilitate the program’s implementation in Cebu City, the DSWD has forged a memorandum of understanding with key partners, including the Department of Education, the Cebu City local government, and Cebu Normal University. These partnerships are instrumental in operationalizing the program and ensuring its success. The collaboration between these organizations enables the program to leverage additional resources, expertise, and support, further enhancing its impact on reading literacy.

The program’s expansion and partnership efforts underscore a collective commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering a culture of reading among Filipino children. By addressing illiteracy and promoting reading skills, the “Tara, Basa” initiative represents a significant step toward achieving broader educational goals and supporting the development of young learners across the country.

Conclusion

In summary, the “Tara, Basa” literacy program exemplifies a successful approach to improving reading literacy in the Philippines. Through community involvement, strategic partnerships, and a well-organized implementation plan, the program aims to address illiteracy and foster a culture of reading among Filipino children. As the program continues to expand and gain support, it holds promise for making a lasting impact on educational outcomes and contributing to a brighter future for young learners across the country.