Empowering the Youth: DSWD’s Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program Takes Off
In a significant move to bolster education and youth involvement, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initiated a series of capability-building activities for tutors and youth development workers (YDWs) across Cebu and Lanao del Sur. The initiative, known as the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, aims to enhance the reading proficiency of elementary students facing learning challenges.
A New Wave of Educators in Cebu
In Mandaue City, Cebu, a fresh cohort of 242 tutors and YDWs, including those from Cebu Normal University, embarked on their training journey last Monday. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted the importance of this program in preparing the tutors for their crucial role in education.
The training, a collaborative effort between the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau, Field Office-7, Ateneo Center for Educational Development, and the Department of Education, is a testament to the collective commitment to improving the educational landscape in the Philippines.
Mindanao’s Commitment to Education and Peace
Further south, in Mindanao, 207 students from Mindanao State University joined the training in Marawi City. These student-tutors are gearing up to teach grade schoolers who are struggling with reading in various educational settings, including madrasas and torils.
DSWD Field Office-10’s Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Salmah Basher, underscored the transformative role these students will play. By contributing to the children’s education, they are also being shaped into future change agents and advocates for peace.
Tara, Basa!: A Dual-Benefit Program
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a learning ecosystem that benefits both the tutors and the students. College students serving as tutors and YDWs will receive a regionally-accepted minimum wage, supporting their own educational pursuits while they contribute to the literacy and development of elementary students.
Training for a Brighter Future
The training covers a range of topics, from the program’s objectives to the administration of literacy assessments like the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment and Quick English Reading Assessment. These tools are crucial in tailoring the educational experience to each child’s needs and monitoring their progress.
Scaling Up for Greater Impact
The program’s reach is expanding, with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian leading its scaled-up implementation in Cebu City. In the coming month, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program will launch in Quezon Province, Western Samar, and General Santos City, marking a new chapter in the nation’s educational reform and youth empowerment.
As the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program unfolds, it promises to create a ripple effect of positive change, equipping the youth with the skills and compassion necessary for nation-building and fostering a generation of responsible, peace-promoting citizens.