Transforming through Literacy: RAFPI and AAA ALPABASA Learn-to-Read Project
By Ria de Villa – Montelibano
What does it take for a child to love reading? For Read to Achieve Foundation Philippines Inc. (RAFPI), the answer is empowering teachers with the tools and knowledge to ignite a lifelong love for reading and learning. Partnering with the Assumption Alumni Association (AAA), RAFPI brought the ALPABASA reading program to Assumption Mission Schools, aiming to make every Filipino child a reader.
With support from AY Foundation Inc., a transformative 3-day training program was held from July 8 to 10, 2024. Thirty educators from eleven Assumption Mission Schools in Luzon and Visayas, along with five Madrasah teachers from Mahintana Foundation Inc., participated in the ALPABASA Teacher Training. The training was intensive yet enjoyable, filled with “AHA” moments. Teacher Tin of Assumption Antipolo shared that it was her first time in a training where she never got bored and was excited to return despite the traffic from Antipolo to Makati.
The training also highlighted an inspiring and powerful scene of unity, between the Muslim teachers and the Catholic teachers as they work together, having fun together, doing the ALPABASA Activities. This experience went beyond educational enrichment, showcasing a rare moment of solidarity among diverse religious, linguistic, and regional backgrounds, all working together towards the shared mission of fostering literacy among Filipino children.
The training ended with tears of joy and an ignited passion for teaching. All the teachers shared the same sentiment, that the training not only provided them with learning but also reignited their passion and reminded them why they chose this profession.
All the 30 teachers who participated received the complete ALPABASA Teaching materials and Learning Kits for the students. The teaching materials included Step 1: Kilos at Kanta (for Phonological Awareness), Bibong Bokabularyo Flashcards (for Vocabulary and Phonemic Awareness), Kamera Kit (Letter Recognition/ Print Awareness), Step 4: Letrang Karera (for Writing), and Step 5: Pagpapantig (for Blending and Segmenting of Sounds). These were complemented by One Year Subscription to ALPABASA FILIPINO Plan with over 300 videos and 200 songs. The teachers will also receive the New ALPABSA Teacher’s Guide. On the other hand, they will also receive Rewritable Workbooks and Mapping Boards for their students.
With their newfound knowledge and tools, these educators are now equipped to implement the ALPABASA program effectively and become future trainers themselves. By cultivating a network of ALPABASA teachers, the program envisions a ripple effect of educational empowerment, extending far beyond the initial group of trainees and reaching countless more children.
ALPABASA: A Grassroots Initiative
As an alumna of Assumption College, Teacher Patricia “Tisha” Gonzalez-Cruz embodies Assumption values and Christian formation in her mission. The ALPABASA Reading Program, founded by Teacher Tisha, began with an epiphany during a crayon drive. She realized that many unfortunate children were learning in dilapidated classrooms made of plywood and other makeshift materials. She felt called to help poor communities and public schools access quality learning materials. Thus, leaving her comfortable teaching career in a prestigious international school, she began her mission.
After the ALPABASA Program was born, the Read to Achieve Foundation Philippines Inc., (RAFPI) was established with a clear vision: “Every Filipino Child a Reader.” The foundation aims to transform kindergarten teachers into dedicated reading teachers, providing them with the necessary resources and training.
What started as a simple crayon drive has blossomed into a comprehensive program aimed at improving literacy rates in the Philippines. The program’s core mission is to equip teachers with the tools, knowledge, and enthusiasm needed to cultivate a love of reading in their students. After the ALPABASA Program was born, the Read to Achieve Foundation Philippines (RAFPI) was established with a clear vision: “Every Filipino Child a Reader.” The foundation aims to transform kindergarten teachers into dedicated reading instructors, providing them with the necessary resources and training.
Through their efforts, the foundation has reached over 97 public schools, empowered 682 teachers, and positively impacted the lives of more than 25,000 students. As the founder and RAFPI’s Executive Director, Teacher Tisha believes that the achievements of ALPABASA and the Read to Achieve Foundation are a testament to the power of collaboration, unwavering commitment to education, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The collaboration between ALPABASA and the Assumption Alumni Association serves as a powerful model for how partnerships can amplify the impact of educational initiatives. By supporting and empowering teachers, they are investing in the future of the nation.
The journey of transforming literacy in the Philippines is a long and challenging one, but with the dedication of educators, the support of communities, and the collaboration of organizations, it is a journey that can lead to a brighter future for countless Filipino children. Together, we can ensure that every Filipino child has the opportunity to become a reader, a learner, and a leader. Let’s transform the world through literacy, one child, one teacher at a time.