Exciting times ahead as 30 children improve their literacy 

When you learn something new, you unlock not only an improved version of yourself but also a path to endless possibilities! 

That’s what 30 children, ranging from Grades 1 to 3, from Manila achieved as they completed the Brigada Pagbasa reading remedial sessions in partnership with TELUS Digital Philippines last July 4.  

For its fifth consecutive year, TELUS Digital Philippines partnered with World Vision with a mission to improve children’s literacy. The digital-enabled customer service provider firm had previously conducted Brigada Pagbasa sessions in Malabon apart from Manila.  

Brigada Pagbasa is World Vision’s reading remedial initiative launched in 2019, in partnership with the Department of Education. The program aims to bridge the learning gap among young learners, along with instilling in them the love for reading at an early age. 

Threats of illiteracy loom among young learners in the Philippines, putting their future learning and opportunities at risk.  

According to the 2024 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), only 14% of Filipino Grade 5 learners reached the highest proficiency level in reading, an improvement from 10% in 2019, but still among the lowest-performing countries in the region.  

The assessment also found that persistent learning gaps continue to disproportionately affect children from disadvantaged backgrounds, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen foundational literacy and ensure every child can become a confident reader. 

Throughout the 16 sessions, learners greatly improved their academic performance thanks to guided interactive sessions led by TELUS Digital employees who volunteered as teachers. 

Children, their proud parents and key people from World Vision led by Abigail Bayucan, Program Manager for Manila and Phoebe Carrera, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager for Asia Pacific leading for TELUS Digital Philippines attended the culmination activity.

All had a fun time during the event, where the learners celebrated their new success.  Some learners also earned recognition for other achievements, including perfect attendance and most improved.Other than that, the learners played fun-filled games, spent their time with the TELUS employees, and even prepared a special song number to show gratitude to their volunteer teachers.  

“Today’s event is than just a culmination activity, but rather a celebration of every child’s dream to learn and succeed in their education,” Bayucan said during the event. “With every turn of a page, it meant one step closer to a brighter future.”  

For TELUS’ part, Jessica Evangelista, Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist and Brigada Pagbasa coordinator, the celebration was a one step closer to beat illiteracy among the children and youth. 

“This is our way to change the narrative that the Philippines face an education crisis, to improve the literacy rate in the country one child at a time. While we only have 30 learners every session, now that we’re on our fifth consecutive year, we have transformed the lives of 150 kids that we taught from zero to level four comprehension of reading,” Evangelista shared.   

Ten-year-old Yohan said that the sessions made him more confident in school. “I now understand what I read. I used to be shy when raising my hand in class for fear that I might say something wrong and the class will laugh at me. Now, I can easily do so because I know better!” he said. 

Likewise, nine-year-old Alexandra, one of the improved learners from the sessions, proudly exclaimed: “I’m one step closer to becoming a doctor someday!” 

“Reading can help me understand ideas. When I become a doctor, it’ll become easier for me to learn more about the human body,” she added. 

With opportunities such as Brigada Pagbasa sessions, World Vision continues to be committed to its mission to empower and improve the lives of children through the power of education—one improved learner at a time.