Gov’t rolls out expanded DSWD tutoring program in 6 regions

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wants to reach some 85,000 elementary students who need tutoring during this year’s school break under its expanded mentoring program, which seeks to further boost young learners’ reading proficiency.

In a statement, the DSWD said it is targeting 3,881 college students from low-income families to work as tutors and youth development workers in at least seven regions. These students already underwent training on effective techniques for students with poor reading skills.

Called the “Tara Basa! Tutoring Program,” the supplementary learning sessions have been expanded to six more regions—Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen—after its pilot run in Metro Manila in August last year.

READ: DSWD boosts Tara, Basa! reading tutorial program in Cebu

The DSWD clarified to the Inquirer that this year’s program would run for 20 days, from July 1 to 26, except on weekends. The start of the school year 2024 to 2025 was adjusted to July 29 to make way for the gradual return to the old academic calendar, when classes begin in June.

‘Remarkable results’

According to DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao, the scaled-up program was driven by the “remarkable results” of the pilot test, which covered around 63,000 first graders from 490 public schools in Metro Manila. In preparation for next month’s implementation, the DSWD has started handing out kits, which carry metacards, chalks, and markers, for tutors and youth development workers to aid them in their sessions with elementary students.

Dumlao said learners, on the other hand, would be provided with appropriate school supplies, such as crayons, notebooks, and pencils.

The reading tutors and youth development workers, most of whom are education majors, will get a daily minimum wage based on the region of their residence as compensation under the program.

Support system

While tutors mentor young students “struggling” with their reading skills, the youth development workers will lead the “Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions” that will touch on various topics, such as understanding oneself as a parent, the dynamics of the Filipino family, challenges in parenting, child development, and children’s rights.

Dumlao said the parents or guardians of the student beneficiaries are encouraged to attend the Nanay-Tatay sessions to “strengthen the family and community support system of elementary learners” with learning difficulties.