HOPE Literacy Program Triumphs: Rotary Club of New Manila East Closes Pandemic Learning Gap

The Rotary Club of New Manila East celebrated the first batch graduation from their HOPE Literacy Program, designed to address the learning gap exacerbated by the pandemic. Recognizing the crisis, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte requested help from local Rotary Clubs due to reports of poor reading skills among Grades 3-5 students.

Foreseeing the future impact on the economy and labor force skills, the Rotary Club launched the HOPE Literacy Program, incorporating Health, Opportunities, Proficiency, and Evangelization. The program's pilot phase, held over the summer in collaboration with Toro Hills Elementary School and John Dewey School for Children, included a feeding program and three-hour daily classes focusing on Reading, Writing, Math, and Personal Improvement.

Significant progress was observed in just 15 days, with students showing improved reading skills and increased confidence. Pre-tests revealed Kindergarten-level literacy and numeracy, with students grouped by ability into four classes: Beginning, Developing, Approaching Proficiency, and Proficient.

Notably, the percentage of non-readers in English decreased from 83% to 54%, and in Filipino from 72% to 42%. In Math, low-level proficiency dropped from 74% to 31%. A positive and inclusive learning environment was key to these achievements, fostering joy and engagement among learners.

Mr. Marlon Mañaol, President of the Rotary Club of New Manila East, contributes valuable perspectives on the club's educational initiatives, reinforcing the commitment to address learning poverty through the HOPE Literacy Program. During the 2023 PSE Learning Poverty Forum on December 2, 2023, at Seda Hotel, BGC, he highlighted the program's impact and the ongoing efforts to combat learning poverty.