Learning poverty refers to the inability of children to read and understand a simple text by age 10, a crucial skill that forms the foundation of further educational success. The World Bank’s 2022 Learning Poverty Brief highlighted the Philippines as one of the countries with a distressingly high learning poverty rate, exacerbated by education disruptions during the pandemic.
In response, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) has taken a significant step forward by launching Project HELP through its Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement (CSCE) and the Office for Research, Development, and Innovation (ORDI). This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
On September 22, 2023, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao embarked on an impactful journey by launching Project HELP (Help End Learning Poverty). This pioneering initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of learning poverty. By focusing on Grades 1-3 students at Langub Elementary School in Barangay Langub, Ma-a, Davao City, Project HELP sought to offer educational assistance and enrichment to children who are at a critical stage in their learning journey. Project HELP would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of various organizations. A diverse group of partners has come together to make this initiative a reality, including: AY Foundation; PetroEnergy Resources Corporation; Nickel Asia Corp.; VXI Global Holdings; TATS Tees & Prints; Patty’s Kitchen; and SMART.
Fast forward, its impact was so significant that it has since evolved into Program HELP with support and partnership of: VXI Global Holdings; Discovery Samal; F. Arriate Engineering Services; AY Foundation; and Optum.
This comprehensive initiative now encompasses a variety of projects aimed at enhancing educational outcomes in different domains.
Under the banner of Program HELP, the reading intervention is now branded generally as Project PROPEL (Progressive Reading to Overcome Poverty in Elementary Learning), which includes the reading intervention in Langub Elementary School and the Mass Tutorial in New Matina Elementary School as its branches. This reading intervention is designed to address the foundational literacy needs of elementary students, helping them overcome the barriers to understanding text that many children face. Project PROPEL aims to improve students’ reading abilities through carefully structured reading programs, laying a solid groundwork for their future academic success.
On September 19, 2024, the second year of Project HELP (Help End Learning Poverty) was officially launched. A dedicated team of 24 volunteers, consisting of 13 employees and 11 students from Mapúa MCM, was sent to Langub Elementary School to conduct pre-test assessments and initiate the reading intervention phase. While Project PROPEL focuses on literacy, the broader scope of Project HELP will evolve to address other critical learning needs.
Mapúa MCM aims to identify and develop new projects under the umbrella of Program HELP to address learning challenges across multiple educational domains, ensuring that children receive holistic support. With Mapúa MCM’s ongoing efforts and commitment, Program HELP is poised to make a lasting impact on the learning outcomes of Filipino children, particularly those from underprivileged communities. As the program expands, it offers hope to many students struggling with learning poverty, paving the way for a brighter future.