30 students from Manila finish remedial reading classes with flying colors

MANILA — 30 elementary school children recently graduated with flying colors after finishing their online remedial reading classes under World Vision and TELUS International Philippines’ Brigada Pagbasa (Reading Brigade) program.

“I can now read faster,” says 9-year-old Mark Benedict, one of the school children who took part in the reading classes.

The children who participated attended 15 online sessions held every Saturday since July. They received special awards, such as a perfect attendance award and a most active student award, among others, given during the culminating activity last October 29. Students were also given certificates of completion.

It was in 2019 when the Department of Education (DepEd) and World Vision launched Brigada Pagbasa, an after-school reading program that aims to enhance the culture of reading among Filipinos, as well as improving children’s literacy and reading comprehension. World Vision serves as the co-lead convenor of the said program.

For the 15 sessions, World Vision teamed up with TELUS International Philippines in conducting the online after-school reading program, with some TELUS International employees volunteering as teachers.

“Though our team member volunteers are not formally trained teachers, they committed to go through the preparation for this program and to be with the school children to help them with their modules on a weekly basis,” Phoebe Carrera, Corporate Social Responsibility Senior Manager for TELUS International Philippines, says.

Carrera also has this to say to the children who took part in the sessions: “We hope you continue to nurture your love for reading and for learning and continue to help your mom, dad, and your siblings at home.”

Meanwhile, World Vision Resource Development director Jun Godornes notes that hearing the stories of school children improve in their reading skills, as well as their enthusiasm to participate in every session, is heartwarming.

“I’m thankful that this event happened; this is very important for us, especially for the children,” Godornes says, as the culminating activity was the first face to face event the children were present in after attending all sessions online.

Apart from the culminating activity, a Project Salute – a partner recognition ceremony — was held during the same event, where TELUS International Philippines was given a plaque of recognition for the support it has provided World Vision in its projects for children.