BACOOR CITY, Cavite - Out-of-school children in Barangay Habay 1 discovered a new appreciation for books, thanks to a community library organized by award-winning author Beverly “Bebang” Wico-Siy.
Dagdag Dunong Community Children's Library was launched in April, when Wico-Siy started bringing toys and books to an unoccupied veranda near her home to encourage children to play and learn.
"Naglalatag ako ng books, iba-ibang set per day. At least lima ang Filipiniana. Bahala na sila kung bubuklatin nila o hindi (I bring out books, different sets per day. At least five are Filipiniana. It's up to them if they'll open them or not)," Wico-Siy told the Manila Bulletin.
As days went by, beneficiaries aged three to eight years old experienced and learned how to write, color, and paint.
And to encourage them to show up for the informal learning sessions, Wico-Siy served morning and afternoon snacks in the community library. Other donors also chipped in and sent food and learning materials for the kids.
On May 30, before the onset of the rainy season, Wico-Siy concluded the community library with a mini-graduation ceremony.
The children received certificates and gifts from donors. They also shared a cake that said, "Nagbuklat ako ng libro (I opened a book)."
