The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out a program named Tara, Basa, aimed at enhancing reading capabilities among young students. Together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and various local government units, the DSWD has initiated this project by providing curated activities, teaching strategies, and educational resources to make the learning process more engaging and efficient.
As per DepEd’s data, approximately 27% of elementary learners in the Philippines face challenges with reading. This is an enhanced version of the educational assistance program of DSWD and this aims to help illiterate children, existing college students, and the parents of the children.
The Tara, Basa Program, beyond delivering academic benefits, also provides a temporary income source for college students, aiding in their educational pursuits.
Overview
The Tara, Basa Program is a unique educational initiative that brings together college students, young learners, and their guardians in a program designed to tackle illiteracy and bolster reading abilities among Filipino children.
Various factors like poverty, inadequate resources, and learning difficulties contribute to this concerning statistic. The Tara, Basa Program aims to address these hurdles by offering supportive resources to students and their families.
Benefits
The Tara, Basa Program offers a plethora of advantages for all the participants. Here are some primary benefits:
- Elementary learners are exposed to high-quality education, which is mandatory for shaping their future.
- Parents and guardians receive a cash-for-work compensation of PHP 235 per day for 20 days for attending the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions.
- College students who play the role of tutors receive the daily minimum wage for that region for 20 days per session.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the Tara, Basa Program, elementary learners must be assessed as struggling or non-readers. The parents and guardians of these students are also required to participate in the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions and assist their children in preparing for learning and reading as well as in after-reading assignments.
The specific requirements to participate in the program include:
- The elementary learner must be identified as a struggling reader or non-reader.
- Parents or guardians should actively participate in the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions.
- Parents or guardians must assist their children in preparing for their reading and learning sessions.
- Parents or guardians should also aid their children in completing after-reading assignments.
Tutor’s Qualifications
The prerequisites for Tara, Basa Program tutors are as follows:
- The individual should be a 3rd year/4th year college student.
- The individual should have completed the training to become a Youth Development Worker (YDW).
- The individual must be capable of conducting “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions.
How to Apply for the Tara, Basa Tutoring Project
To be a part of the Tara, Basa Program, follow these steps:
For Elementary Students
- Get identified as a struggling reader or non-reader through an evaluation.
- Participate in the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions conducted by college students.
- Prepare for learning and reading with the assistance of parents or guardians.
- Complete after-reading assignments with the help of parents or guardians.
For Parents/Guardians
- Assist their children in preparing for learning and reading.
- Attend the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions along with their children.
- Aid their children in completing after-reading assignments.
For College Student Tutors
- Must be a college student enrolled in any recognized university or college in the Philippines.
- Complete the training to be a Youth Development Worker (YDW).
- Conduct “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions for struggling readers or non-readers.
By actively participating in the Tara, Basa Program, we can all contribute to the lives of struggling Filipino children and help them acquire crucial reading skills for a prosperous future. Let’s unite for this noble cause.
Updates: 2000 Parents/Guardians Receive Cash-for-Work under Tara, Basa Project
Valenzuela City, August 17, 2023 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Valenzuela City, Philippines successfully distributed cash-for-work to around 2,000 parents and guardians participating in the Tara, Basa! tutoring program. The event, held at the Valenzuela City People’s Park Amphitheater on Wednesday, was a way to compensate beneficiaries for their active involvement in eradicating illiteracy among Filipino children. The program aims to support college students facing difficult circumstances and struggling elementary learners, providing additional knowledge to parents and guardians through the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions.
To facilitate the learning sessions, the DSWD enlisted trained college students known as Youth Development Workers (YDWs). These YDWs conduct the “Nanay-Tatay” sessions, covering various topics such as parenthood, the dynamics of the Filipino family, parenting challenges, child development, and their rights. The parents and guardians attending the sessions receive compensation of PHP235 per session and are required to assist their children in preparing for learning and reading, as well as completing after-reading assignments.
The DSWD’s initiative aims to empower both parents and guardians, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to support their children’s educational journey. By emphasizing the importance of parental involvement, the program not only addresses the educational needs of college students and struggling learners but also enhances literacy among Filipino children.
Video: Tara, Basa Impact on College Students
Here’s a report by UNTV news which features how these reading tutor project has helps 6000 college students coming from low-income students.
It says that the financial support assistance helps them with their expenses since it is a cash-for-work program. It also enables the students to develop their skills in teaching and gain valuable experience in working with children, which can be beneficial for their future career prospects.
Furthermore, being part of Tara, Basa Program allows these college students to have a positive impact on the community by helping struggling readers improve their literacy skills.
Final Thoughts
The Tara, Basa Program, initiated by the DSWD, is a remarkable step towards promoting early literacy and enhancing reading skills among young Filipino students. If you wish to contribute to this program or know any struggling elementary learners, please connect with your local DSWD office for more details. Together, let’s promote early literacy and hone the reading skills of Filipino children via the Tara, Basa Program.