By Chris Dale Peñacerrada Patriarca, BA Comm 4 OJT

College of Computer Studies volunteers smiled for a photo with some students from Mandurriao Elementary School.
(Photo by CPU – College of Computer Studies Provincial Council)

Despite the pandemic and sudden changes with the quarantine protocols, Central Philippine University’s College of Computer Studies (CCS) found its way through by successfully conducting an outreach program for young learners from Mandurriao Elementary School, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

CCS conducted its Adopt a School: Seminar/Workshop on Basic Computer Fundamentals which aims to connect with young pupils who have limited access to computer resources.

The program offers virtual classes for approximately 300 students from different grade levels who can join every Saturday after it kicked off on Friday, February 4, 2022.

Topics that would help students familiarize using a computer system are being discussed, such as basic computer parts, basic office applications, and some games as well.

All sessions are conducted virtually and are being facilitated by volunteers from the student council, college organizations, and graduating students from CCS.

The participants and the lessons being discussed are grouped according to grade levels: Grades 1 and 2 are participating in the 8 am – 10 am class, Grades 3 and 4 are joining the 10 am – 12 noon workshops, and Grades 5 and 6 are attending the 2 pm – 4 pm sessions.

The outreach is an initiative led by the College of Computer Studies in partnership with its student council and different college organizations, namely Computer Science Society (CSS), Information Technology Students Organization (ITSO), Library and Information Sciences Student Organization (LISSO), and Modern Interactive Digital Artists Society (MIDAS).

Joshua Johnson L. Ong, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, governor of the Provincial Council, and one of the volunteers for the outreach, expressed his fulfillment from their previous sessions saying, “It’s exhausting but definitely worth it!”

Ong also stated that not only you get to help students but you can also see that they are enjoying the sessions as they are really attentive.

“You can really feel their excitement to see you every Saturday!” he added.

The College of Computer Studies’ Provincial Council also shared their gratitude for being able to help these young learners through their Facebook Page.

“We are humbled and grateful that We, the College of Computer Studies continue to inspire the younger generation” the post stated.

They also highlighted that in their unrelenting quest for excellence, they impart their knowledge in technology, enlightening those children that there is more to computers than just playing games.

They emphasized that, “It is also a learning avenue for them to grow and develop themselves. We will inspire, impart and teach to the future generation.”

As stated on their Facebook post, “Adelante, Little Warriors!”