A literacy program to give hope to former rebels who desire to acquire basic education or to continue their studies has been designed as one of the identified assistance for them by the government.
This Literacy Program is being implemented by a group called Team “BINULIGA” composed of the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army, Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development Office and E-CLIP Committee, Department of Education Alternative Learning System (ALS), and Arrupe Educational System of Xavier University.
Binuliga is a Higaonon term which means helping one another.
Based on the results of the assessment process, most of the former rebels are classified under the “Basic Literacy Program,” which means the learners cannot read nor write.
With the help of ALS curriculum, learners are given the chance to bridge illiteracy to its counterpart- LEARNING.
Teaching depends on the pacing of each learner and their capacity to attain specific competence.
In ALS, the learning process is gradual yet efficient. They are also given more attention by the teachers since the ratio of teacher to learners is 1:4 (1 teacher for every 4 learners), making the learning process conducive.
In order to address these needs, the team uses the “Marungko Approach,” which is a tool to enhance the reading skills and basic handwriting.
After a month of continuous learning, most of the former rebels can already write their names, identify letters, and compute basic math operations.
Teaching the FRs opened the minds and hearts of the teachers and the other partner organizations about how difficult life is in the mountains - a life which has no assurance and security since the military troops constantly hunted them, no permanent place to live, being away from their families, and barely enough food to satisfy their hunger.
Since they surrendered, their life turned better. From a life of misery suddenly they see hope.
Formerly living without definite goals, now they have a life full of dreams and aspirations. They are with their families, attending school, trying to live a normal life despite the threats of their former associates, with the assurance of help from the government and its counterpart through various programs specifically designed for them.
“May nakikita na kami ngayong liwanag para sa aming mga pamilya at mga anak, hindi katulad dati na puro karahasan (We can now see a brighter future for our family and children, unlike before which was full of violence),” one of the former rebels said.
The Binuliga team is working tirelessly with the combined help from different organizations and stakeholders who envision to eradicate illiteracy.
After all, everyone, even former rebels, can achieve some degree of literacy if given the opportunity and exposure. (65IB/PIA10)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.