By Dr. Maredil R. Ambos
Bringing literacy to life: BEEd students of CPU inspire young learners at Uswag San Isidro Elementary School through reading and essential learning tools.
On March 21, 2025, a transformative outreach event titled “Empowering Young Children Through Reading and Learning Essentials” occurred at Uswag Elementary School in San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City. This event was initiated by the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) students of Central Philippine University (CPU), aiming to promote literacy and provide essential learning tools for the young learners in the community. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The outreach activity was specially designed for Uswag San Isidro Elementary School’s first graders. These kids are at a pivotal point in their educational journeys where foundational knowledge is crucial. In addition to giving the students the tools they needed to improve their educational experience; the activity was created to encourage a love of reading.
The outreach event was spearheaded by Dr. Maredil R. Ambos, BEEd Program Head at CPU, along with the BEEd practice teachers and the officers of the BEEd Generals. The event was part of the students’ effort to integrate learning with real-world community service, providing the pupils not only with essential school materials but also with a strong foundation in literacy.
The activities began with an engaging and lively storytelling session. Storytelling is a powerful tool for enhancing children’s language skills, fostering their imagination, and instilling the value of reading. The BEEd students took the lead in narrating a selection of age-appropriate stories, captivating the young audience with their animated voices and interactive storytelling techniques. The pupils were visibly excited as they listened intently to the stories.
Following the storytelling session, a reading assessment was conducted to gauge the reading proficiency of the Grade 1 pupils. This assessment was crucial in identifying the children’s current literacy levels, allowing the BEEd students and teachers to gain valuable insights into the areas that may require further attention. By conducting this reading assessment, the initiative aimed to address individual learning needs and promote a culture of early literacy, helping these young learners develop essential reading skills early on.
To ensure the pupils had the necessary tools for their education, the outreach also included the distribution of school supplies. Each student received a pack containing notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other essential materials. These supplies are often a significant financial burden for families, so this gesture alleviated some of the pressure on parents while empowering children to continue their education with the tools they need to succeed.
The distribution of school supplies, alongside the interactive and educational activities, created a positive and motivating environment for the children, instilling in them a sense of pride in their learning and a greater appreciation for the value of education.
For the BEEd students, this event was a reminder of their future roles as educators and the significant impact they can have on their students’ lives. It was an opportunity for them to connect with their community and put into practice the skills they are acquiring through their degree program.
Looking forward, the success of “Empowering Young Children Through Reading and Learning Essentials” has set the stage for more such initiatives, which will continue to foster the development of young minds and promote the value of education in the community.