To enhance the reading literacy of young children in Marikina City, the “Booksikleta” library-on-wheels project was launched through an initiative led by the Office of First District Congresswoman Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro.

The project was made in partnership with Australian Aid, International Needs Australia (INA), and Vineyard Philippines, a non-profit organization for children advocacy.

According to Congresswoman Teodoro, the booksikleta serves as an eco-friendly mobile reading center.

“IIkot ito sa mga eskwela at mga komunidad upang ilapit sa inyo ang mga libro at babasahin na ma-e-enjoy ninyo at mga kaibigan ninyo (It will roam around your schools and communities to make books more accessible to kids for their enjoyment),” Teodoro said in a video posted on her social media page.

(Vineyard PH Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN)

The project was first launched in Nangka Elementary School (NES) in Marikina City last March 25.

Teodoro’s office donated four prototype booksikletas to NES which were showcased in the launching ceremony. The booksikletas contained short story books and illustrated books that young learners can freely read and borrow.

Some students who were at the event were given the opportunity to read the books available in the booksikletas.

“Sa bawat pahina ng libro, matatagpuan ninyo ang inyong mga hilig, madadala kayo nito sa mga lugar na hindi niyo pa nararating, at marami kayong matututunan na makakatulong sa inyong pag-aaral at magdiskubre sa buhay (In each page of these books, you will find enjoyment, discover new places, and learn new things that will help your studies and your life,)” Teodoro said.

(Vineyard PH Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN)

Gracing the launch at NES were Vineyard PH Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kirk Sherwin Mariano, International Needs Global General Secretary Edmond Vanderpuye, NES Principal Wilfredo C. Padua, and School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) President Marie Ann A. Yamabalia. Yamabalia was the project proponent who coordinated with Vineyard PH on behalf of the school.

Other guests to the ceremony were Charry F. Magnetico, the president of the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG), Nangka High School Head Hadji M. Tejada, and Education Committee Chairman of Barangay Nangka Hon. Jaime G. Cruz.

Representatives from the Office of Marikina Second District Congresswoman Stella Luz A. Quimbo also attended. Her office donated refreshments during the event.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the NES, NHS, and Vineyard PH to collaborate on more programs for children’s education was also signed on the same day.

According to Vineyard PH, the MOA and booksikleta project was a “collaborative effort between various organizations and institutions to provide educational support to students, showcasing the power of community partnerships in promoting education and empowering young learners.”