The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced the expansion of the “Tara Basa!” tutoring program, set to begin in Cebu City and other regions following a successful pilot in the National Capital Region (NCR) last year.
Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez revealed plans for the ceremonial launch on March 8, signaling the program’s broader implementation across the country.
“Tara Basa!” aims to enhance educational support, targeting non- and struggling readers in elementary schools by providing dedicated reading sessions.
The initiative also extends support to the parents and guardians of these children, offering cash-for-work opportunities for participating in “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions and aiding their children’s educational journey.
The expansion includes various locations such as San Jose del Monte City, Malolos City, Bulacan province, Cebu City, Marawi City, Taraka in Lanao del Sur, Western Samar, General Santos City, and Quezon province, alongside further implementation within the NCR.
A key feature of the program’s launch in Cebu City is the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DSWD, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, and Cebu Normal University (CNU) president Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr.
This agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in executing the “Tara, Basa!” program effectively within the city.
Assistant Secretary Lopez emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, which includes the deployment of college students as tutors and the involvement of youth development workers (YDWs) to facilitate parental guidance sessions.
This strategy aims to create a supportive learning ecosystem for children and their families, ultimately improving literacy rates and educational outcomes. – CebuLifestyleChannel.ph