USAID partners with DepEd, KCFI to inspire inclusion among early grade learners in celebration of Women’s Month

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Joining the Department of Education in celebrating Women’s Month USAID, through the ABC+: Advancing of Basic Education in the Philippines project, and the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KFCI) led a storytelling and book-giving activity at P. Gomez Elementary School (PGES) in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The event was aimed at celebrating and recognizing women who are contributing to efforts to improve education, as well as raising awareness and promoting the importance of reading among young learners.

“USAID understands that investing in the education and empowerment of children and girls yields unmatched dividends for society. When women are educated, empowered, and afforded equal opportunities, they emerge as potent catalysts for progress and prosperity within their communities,” said USAID Philippines Director of Education Office, Michelle Chen.

In the event, USAID donated a library package containing a variety of Grades 1-3 reading materials, which are expected to benefit the 2,288 early grade learners in P. Gomez Elementary School. These resources will be used for differentiated instruction for learners at different reading levels during Catch-Up Friday sessions.

DepEd NCR Director Joyce Andaya who was represented by DepEd NCR Officer-in-Charge of the Curriculum and Learning Management Division Micah Pacheco thanked the USAID for the donated books and their commitment to promoting gender equality education and empowerment.

Meanwhile, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna, said “Let us continue to work together, let us continue to teach, cultivate and nurture our children.”

Rina Lopez, KCFI President and Executive Director who also graced the event shared “the stories we share, the lessons we teach, the values we instill in our young learners can shape a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous future for all.”

Inspirational and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano also read a story and shared with select Grades 2 and 3 learners how reading about inspiring women can help them make a difference in their own lives and communities.

USAID, through the ABC+ Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project, has trained over 150,000 educators of DepEd, the majority of whom are female, not only in effective teaching strategies but also in promoting gender-responsive and inclusive teaching and learning environments.

Last year, USAID and KFCI partnered to extend the reach of ABC+ educational resources through “My TV School.”

These television-based learning materials offer literacy-focused programs that are currently accessible through the Knowledge Channel Foundation’s cable channel and online platforms, broadening access for disadvantaged Filipino children and communities.