Tara, Basa Tutoring Program; improving literacy among pupils
In response to the challenge that confronts the society in uplifting the literacy rate of students in terms of reading and comprehension, the City Government of Koronadal continues to support programs aiming to provide a better quality of education among the students especially those who are in the early stage of childhood education. In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD XII), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) helped in launching the “Tara, Basa, Tutoring Program”,providing tutorial to 150 incoming grade two pupils from selected public schools in the city. These beneficiaries were carefully selected by the Department of Education, prioritizing those pupils who have below normal literacy rate.
Prior to its implementation, City Mayor Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena signed a memorandum of agreement with DSWD XII Regional Director Loreto Jr V. Cabaya defining the responsibilities of the city government for the smooth conduct of the program which will run from 19th of May and is expected to last until June 14, 2025. Among the schools selected are the following; Koronadal Central Elementary School (KCES 1), Marbel 1 Central Elementary School and Sto. Niño Elementary School. In an interview during the “Buwas-damlag sa Bagong Koronadal” Facebook live program, Tara Basa Tutoring Program Focal Person Mr. Leonard Londres explained the goals of the program which includes the following; reformatted educational assistance, inclusive and equitable quality education, parenting sessions and improved literacy rates among the students.
In support to the causes of the said program, the City Government of Koronadal made sure that the tutors who are mostly from General Santos City are properly accommodated. CSWDO has coordinated with the school heads/reading coordinators to provide decent billeting quarters as well as with the Barangay Councils to provide security support in their respective quarters especially at night. Additionally, in collaboration with City Councilor Ma Ester M. Catorce, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, CSWDO provided lunch meals to the teachers for the entire duration of the tutoring program.
Currently, the tutoring program is at its pilot stage in the City of Koronadal. Hence, it will be much anticipated that there will be greater number of pupils who will benefit from the program in the years to come.