World Vision child leader from the T’Boli tribe helps students with reading difficulties
“Before COVID-19, I was trained on helping children who are unable to read. When the quarantine restrictions eased up, my school principal approached me and asked if I could help five children, in preparation for the school opening,” she explains. Mea is an incoming Grade 12 student.
Mea immediately said yes, knowing how the prolonged class suspension has disrupted the learning of millions of students across the country. She’s also missed tutoring. An aspiring english teacher, she considers this an opportunity to help the children who are from the T’Boli tribe like her.
“I love what I am doing, especially helping my fellow children from the T’Boli tribe. I do not want them to miss good opportunities just because they do not know how to read or write,” Mea adds.
She further shares, “My parents and our village leaders also support me on this. When I approached our leaders, they provided us with a space in the barangay (vilalge) gym to do the tutorial. I make sure that we practice physical distancing and we wear mask all the time.”
When asked what she wants to tell her fellow students, “Let’s not waste our time while we wait for the school opening. Read the news, read books. If you have younger siblings, teach them how to read and write. Let’s stay safe and don’t forget that everything is in God’s hands.”
The department of education recently announced that classes will resume on August 24, saying that blended learning which maximizes the internet, television and radio to teach students, will apply in areas where face to face is not possible. Meanwhile, children with no access to digital learning will be given printed instructional packets.
World Vision is closely working with the agency to ensure that children’s right to unimpeded learning is upheld amid COVID-19. The organization has committed to the agency’s learning continuity plan by assisting in the digitization of reading materials while classroom learning is not yet possible. These materials will be uploaded on DepEd Commons, a free online resource for students and teachers. World Vision will also assist in the production and distribution of learning packets to cater to the needs of children without access to digital technology.
With your help, we hope to give School Kits to thousands of children in our partner communities nationwide. You are not only giving basic learning materials, but you are encouraging these children to keep their dreams alive.
