Operation Damayan “Booklat-Aklat-Mulat” (LAUNCHING DATE OCTOBER 24, 2008)

THE Department of Education (DepEd) is targeting a 1:1 book-to-student ratio in every subject, starting with English, Mathematics and Science books which, at present, are "more than adequate." Books are updated/change every five years.

But fortunately, the book ratio is 1 to 10 against the ideal ratio of 1 book to 1 student. And  for every 10 Grade 1 students enrolled in the current school year, three of them will not finish elementary and four will not graduate from high school, according to studies made by the independent think-tank IBON Foundation.

"Worsening economic conditions in the country have denied millions of children the right to a decent education as shown by increasing dropout rates," Sonny Africa, IBON research head, said in a statement furnished the Inquirer.

Many of the school-age children might have been forced to leave school to earn a living. In 2006, 2.5 million children aged 5 to 17 were working either to augment family income or simply to survive.

The data shows in 2007:

•    15% of pupils who passed Grade 1 did not show up for Grade 2 during the school opening
•    10% of those who finished Grade 2 did not return for Grade 3
•    One (1) out of every four (4) dropouts in public schools will never learn to read, write or count mastery of Grade 3-level competencies in all subjects,   therefore not all graduates are functionally literate
•    the book to student ratio is 1:4 (science and math) 1:10 (other subjects)
•    particularly in Barangay Macatcatuit and Yuson, Guimba, many teachers has only books for reference materials for their board work.

Concept of RNG-“Booklat-Aklat-Mulat”

RNG “Booklat-Aklat-Mulat” (Open a Book for Awareness) is a barangay library that  promote readings among public school children and out of school youth. A support structure for literacy and educational campaign within the communities of Guimba and nearby towns.

We believe  that to read is every child's right. We seek to deepen the love and habbit of reading  that nurtures childrens' intellectual, ethical and social development by making books more accessible to people who need them most.  "Buklat Aklat Mulat" Barangay Library will serve as a resource learning center.

This will be initiated in 2 pilot areas and thru continous sourcing of books, the project will also be implemented in other communities.  "Book Drive” will be conducted in different private schools to generate donation of old books for the less privelege young people of Guimba and nearby towns.

RNG “Booklat-Aklat –Mulat ” is another project under the Operation Damayan Program of Radyo Natin Guimba in partnership with Children’s International Foundation, a non government organization based in Manila.

Objectives

•    To encourage reading among public school children and out of school youth;
•    To promote importance of reading for the development of society and increase awareness  by exposing young children to a wide selection of reading materials and multi-media;
•    To create environment for pleasurable reading corners, audio visuals, workshops,  and other literacy programs; and
•    Become a fully resource learning center for the community including internet access.

Activities

•    Story Telling
•    Art drawing sessions
•    Essay writing
•    Poster making/Painting
•    Slogan Making for awareness campaign
•    Educational tour/camping
•    School paper bulletin
•    Tutoring
•    Film showing:
•    Teatro

Pilot Area and Beneficiaries

Beificiaries in the pilot area are daycare pupils, elementary and secondary (in the future) students and out of school youth in Barangay Macatcatuit and Barangay Yuson, Municipality of Guimba.