A Community Reading Pantry was set up in Tabotong Elementary School in Kiamba, Sarangani Province to give learners in nearby communities better access to various learning materials.
The Department of Education (DepEd), in Facebook post on Wednesday, May 5, commended the efforts of its personnel for the said initiative.
TINGNAN: Isang “Community Reading Pantry” ang inilatag sa Tabotong Elementary School sa bayan ng Kiamba, Sarangani...
Posted by DepEd Philippines on Wednesday, May 5, 2021
“Ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ay palaging nagiging maganda ang resulta lalo na kung may pagmamahal itong kasama (The cooperation of each other always leads to good results especially when it is with coupled with love),” DepEd said.
The Community Reading Pantry, DepEd said, will help students practice reading and other learning activities. There are also reading coordinators and volunteer tutors of the “Read-at-Home” program who guide students.
Just like other community pantries, the said Community Reading Pantry also has a message in the Tboli language: "Bnasahem yom son tngonem, nwahem yom son knoyoem (Bumasa ayon sa nalalaman, kumuha ayon sa nagugustuhan).”
Aside from reading materials and other learning activities, there are also snacks for the learners to ensure that not only their minds are full but also their stomachs.
To ensure everyone’s safety amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country, the organizers of the Community Reading Pantry observes the health protocols.
DepEd said that the organizers also ensure that physical distancing is maintained.
Everyone disinfects their hands before handling any equipment in the Community Reading Pantry.
In a separate post of DepEd Tayo Sarangani, it was explained that Community Reading Pantry was set up to give the learners an opportunity to use the materials from the learning resource center.
Due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, face-to-face classes are not yet allowed so the teachers of Tabotong ES also helped in setting up the Community Reading Pantry.
Tabotong ES Principal Evelyn Vergara explained that the safety of everyone remains an utmost priority. “Proper social distancing, we have alcohol, the health kits of the children are being used for hand washing,” she said in Filipino.
Aside from reading materials, learners are also given snacks while reading or studying. Given this, the Community Reading Pantry opens its doors to donors who are interested and willing to give food donations for the children.