The “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program,” launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to improve the reading skills of Filipino children, is making progress in tackling literacy challenges in the Philippines.
With a projected benefit of over 138,000 more learners and tutors by the 2025–2026 school year, the program offers hope and progress for the youth.
Since its launch in 2023, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program has made significant progress, assisting over 197,000 children and college students. This initiative is essential as it aims to address the concerning literacy rates that continue to affect the country.
“Ito po ay isa lamang sa napakaraming hakbang ng ating pamahalaan upang matugunan ang mababang literacy and comprehension rate ng Pilipinas,” noted Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Jose Maria Villarama II during a briefing at Malacañang.
He highlighted the government’s dedication to tackling shortcomings in the education system.
The flagship program not only focuses on improving foundational reading skills among children but also empowers parents by enhancing their intellectual capacity. The innovative approach involves pairing financially challenged college students with young learners, providing tutoring services that yield mutual benefits.
Student tutors can earn an income while gaining valuable teaching experience, promoting a cycle of learning and development within their communities.
The program is thoughtfully structured, ensuring that college students selected as tutors receive comprehensive training in effective teaching strategies. These trained tutors will conduct sessions with over 60,000 learners nationwide, with more than 12,000 tutors expected to participate.
The addition of 6,019 Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to support parent or guardian sessions demonstrates a comprehensive educational approach, acknowledging the critical role of family engagement in a child’s learning process.
As the program gears up for its next phase in the 2025–2026 school year, it is set to reach various regions, including Ilocos, Central Luzon, Bicol, and Mindanao, among others.
It will also reach SOCCSKSARGEN, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Caraga, the National Capital Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The broad scope of this initiative shows a dedication to inclusive education, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds have access to resources that promote their academic development.
The Tara, Basa! The tutoring Program is a demonstration of the Philippine government’s commitment to enhancing educational standards in the country. This initiative addresses not only literacy improvement but also offers a promise of brighter futures for both learners and tutors.
As communities unite to support this effort, a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to knowledge thrive, paving the way for a new generation of informed and empowered Filipinos.
In a country where education is regarded as a pathway to opportunity, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program stands out in the collective effort to combat illiteracy and improve society through the simple act of reading.
DSWD PHOTO
