Turning Tarlakenyo Children Into Readers
Adarna Group Foundation, Inc., Teacher Michelle Agas, Mayor Elma Macadamia, CDWs, and parent partners were present in the turnover ceremony.
The Step by Step Partnership Between Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc.
With a common goal to create communities of readers, Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc. kicked off Step by Step in Tarlac Province this August 2022. They visited San Clemente and Anao to turn over reading materials for three Step by Step programs and to conduct storytelling activities to learning partners.
The two foundations officially became Step by Step partners in February 2022. They will be implementing Unang Isang Libong Araw, Unang Aklat, and Handang Magbasa as a joint effort to develop the habit of reading and love for books of Filipino children, starting from prenatal period until daycare graduation.
San Clemente
Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. went to San Clemente last August 16.
Through its partnership with LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc., the foundation was able to distribute 360 parents kits and 600 big books to 15 child development centers (CDCs). Mayor Elma Macadamia, together with child development workers (CDWs) and parent partners, graced the turnover ceremony.
Teacher Michelle Agas led the training session on Mabisang Pagkukuwento or effective storytelling.
In addition, Teacher Michelle Agas facilitated a training session on effective storytelling. Her lecture focused on the importance, elements, and planning of telling stories to children. Attendees were given the opportunity to apply their learnings through a series of practical activities, including roleplaying and storytelling.
Anao
Two days later, Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc., traveled to Anao with the same itinerary.
Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation met with Anao Mayor Gian Pierre de Dios and MSWDO Maricar Butay.
Both paid Mayor Gian Pierre de Dios a courtesy visit to discuss the current implementation of and future plans for Step by Step. In the end, all parties agreed that their combined efforts are needed to make every Anaoeño child a reader.
Joined by Adarna Group Foundation, Inc., LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc., and Mayor Gian Pierre de Dios, Anao CDWs posed with their big books.
They proceeded with the turnover ceremony, where a total of 383 parents kits and 760 big books were given to 19 CDCs. Moving forward, the two foundations will hold an in-person storytelling training session for the CDWs in the next months.
Ms. Helien Sartorio from LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc. read “Ang Barumbadong Bus,” written by Rene O. Villanueva and illustrated by Jo Ann Bereber-Gando, to the CDC students of Anao.
Finally, Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc. ended their trip with a storytelling session and arts and crafts activity for CDC students. The kids went home all smiles, with loot bags and a story to remember.
This is just the beginning—the Step by Step partnership will reach more Tarlakenyo families and children, healthcare professionals, and CDWs in the upcoming months. Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. echoes what learning partners from San Clemente and Anao expressed: “Salamat, LBC Foundation!”