Because
of the Covid-19 pandemic, education in the Philippines had to switch from being
delivered physically in schoolrooms to going online. However, many students
struggled with their online classes because of unstable or no internet
connections, or had difficulty paying for their mobile data.
A survey was done among Goducate scholars to identify those who had difficulty with their online classes because of poor internet connection. Goducate has now provided pocket Wi-Fis for 15 Goducate scholars, as well as a SIM card enough for a month’s use. Goducate is grateful to the sponsors who provided the funds for these instruments.
*Our guest writer is Gemma Abrenilla, a staff of Camp Goducate Laguna.
The
Sabah program was introduced in the Philippines because the Covid-19 pandemic
interrupted schooling. The two programs—namely, the Kindergarten program and
the Rev Up tutorials—will continue until the end of the academic year in July
2022. Moving forward this year, we will collaborate with the parents to
transition from a structured curriculum to a creative self-paced and learner-centered
curriculum. Moreover, we will retain and innovate our Rev Up tutorials to
supplement the needs of the Filipino learners in Mathematics and English.
As
we look beyond the global pandemic and its disruptive effects on the
educational system, we believe that studio video and audio productions, digital
educational models and parent-assisted online distance-learning are the best
way to go. With these in mind, we will be recruiting and forming a solid team
of video editors, graphic designers and animators in order to produce the
projected 240 videos for songs, main lessons and supplemental lessons. There is
a need for upgrading and upskilling as we face the staggering demands of online
education. Our target is to produce attractive, educational and engaging videos
that will make a positive impact on every Filipino child’s learning journey.
For
now, our Rev Up classes (Tutorial classes) aged 6-9 years old are getting more
exciting as we hold weekly online classes for parents and provide them with
videos and a checklist to guide them in the facilitation of their child’s
learning. Parents can also access all the lesson materials, including our
creative videos, on our Google Site. We also have Rev Up preparatory class for
learners aged 3-4 years. The parents are grateful for this class since they are
not able to find this kind of class in other schools. The lesson videos are
very creative and exciting. Among the many fun-filled learning videos are
letters of the alphabet being fished, numbers shown through bananas being
picked, and colors of cars demonstrated in a riding adventure.
We firmly believe in partnering with parents to bring out the best in their children through the finest 21st century education, which is why we hold events such as STAR (Sharing, Thanksgiving, Appreciation and Rewarding) Sundays (see bloghttps://www.goducate.org/goducate-academy-starts-star-sundays/dated Nov 26, 2021) as well as Virtual Home Visits. The backbone of this educational system is the relationship that APIIS-Goducate Academy has with the parents. A case that indicates the popularity of our program is that of a Filipino family in Thailand that has taken part in our Home Visitation program. The parents had planned to enroll their child in a Thai School, but the child insisted on studying in APIIS-Goducate Academy because she really loves our videos. The mother told us that the girl repeatedly sings her favorite line in the theme song—-that is, “we strive for excellence in Goducate Academy…” Such enthusiasm encourages APIIS-Goducate Academy to strive to fulfill its dream of reaching millions of Filipino homes!
*Our guest writers are Iris Gwyn Abibiason and Pamela Kaye Dingal, APIIS-Goducate Academy teachers.
In December 2021, a generous sponsor purchased, for Goducate, a 1.1-hectare plot of land at Morning Star, Barangay Mabacan Calauan, Laguna. This land is suitable for agricultural activities such as farming, and it has the potential to become a good community center because it is near where the people live. In addition, it could be developed as a resort or a place for special events because of the adjacent beautiful and refreshing scenery.
Work started on building a little nipa hut in January 2022 as a temporary shelter for those working on the land. Also being constructed is a staff house for the family who will be in charge of the property. A water pump has also been set up as a temporary source of water for the people staying there and for the vegetables and ornamental plants that are being grown on the land. This water pump is also serving some residents in the area who otherwise have had to travel a long distance to obtain their daily supply of water.
Goducate is starting to connect with the people in the area and to create positive ties with them through community projects, such as the feeding program and youth life talks.
*Our guest writer is Annaliza Espanola, a Goducate volunteer staff member.
