The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the “Tara Basa” program, focusing on improving reading skills among young Filipino students. This program brings together elementary learners, college student tutors, and their families to strengthen literacy nationwide. With support from the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units, Tara Basa aims to help struggling readers and provide financial support to both tutors and participating parents.
In the Philippines, around 27% of elementary learners face reading challenges. Tara Basa addresses these issues through structured reading sessions, engaging activities, and community learning efforts. The initiative not only fosters literacy but also offers cash-for-work support to college students and parents, promoting inclusive learning and financial stability.
Overview of the Tara Basa Program
The DSWD’s Tara Basa Program is a literacy initiative aiming to support struggling or non-reader elementary students and their families. The program empowers college students to serve as reading tutors, encouraging community involvement in addressing literacy challenges. Parents and guardians also play a vital role, participating in sessions to support their children’s learning progress.
Poverty, lack of educational resources, and learning difficulties are common reasons children struggle with reading. Through Tara Basa, the DSWD provides resources and financial incentives, helping parents support their children’s education and enhancing literacy levels nationwide.
Program Scope and Coverage
The DSWD Tara Basa Program operates nationwide, focusing on elementary students who struggle with reading, specifically targeting public schools in low-income areas. The program partners with local government units, DepEd, and selected universities to provide support and training for both tutors and parents. By empowering communities, Tara Basa aims to enhance literacy levels and provide financial support across multiple regions.
Target Beneficiaries of the Program
The Tara Basa Program is designed to benefit struggling young readers and college students from low-income families, along with their parents or guardians. This initiative supports both educational improvement and financial assistance.
- Elementary students assessed as struggling or non-readers
- Parents or guardians of struggling readers, who participate in “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions
- College students, trained as tutors, who need financial aid and educational experience
- Families in low-income communities, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas
Program Benefits
The Tara Basa Program offers a range of benefits:
- For Learners: Struggling elementary students receive targeted reading support to enhance their literacy skills, shaping their future academic success.
- For Parents/Guardians: Parents who attend “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions receive PHP 235 per day over 20 days, encouraging their involvement in their child’s reading development.
- For College Tutors: Tutors receive the daily minimum wage for their region, gaining both financial support and valuable teaching experience.
Eligibility
To participate in the Tara Basa Program, applicants must meet specific criteria. Here’s an outline of requirements:
- Elementary Students: Learners must be identified as struggling or non-readers, typically determined by DSWD and DepEd evaluations.
- Parents/Guardians: Must attend the “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions and assist with their children’s reading assignments, helping to reinforce learning outside of formal sessions.
- Tutors: Tutors should be college students who satisfies these prerequisites:
- Must be a third or fourth-year college student.
- Must complete training as a Youth Development Worker (YDW).
- Must be prepared to lead “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions to support family involvement in literacy education.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants to the DSWD Tara Basa Program need to submit specific documents to verify eligibility and facilitate their participation. Below is a list of the necessary paperwork for both tutors and beneficiaries.
For College Student Tutors
- Proof of current college enrollment (e.g., enrollment form, student ID)
- Completed Youth Development Worker (YDW) training certificate
- Valid government-issued ID
For Parents/Guardians of Beneficiaries
- Valid ID (government-issued or community ID)
- Proof of child’s enrollment in a public elementary school
- Signed consent form for participation in “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions
Application Procedures
To become a participant in the Tara Basa Program, different steps are required based on your role as a student, parent, or tutor.
For Elementary Students
Step 1. Ensure the child is evaluated and identified as a struggling or non-reader.
Step 2. Participate actively in “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions.
Step 3. With the help of a parent or guardian, complete learning and reading tasks.
For Parents/Guardians
Step 1. Assist your child in preparing for each learning session.
Step 2. Attend all “Nanay-Tatay” sessions with your child.
Step 3. Help your child with their after-reading tasks, supporting consistent learning.
For College Student Tutors
Step 1. Enroll as a student in an accredited Philippine university or college.
Step 2. Complete the YDW training required by DSWD.
Step 3. Conduct “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions for students and parents to foster a supportive reading environment.
By participating in the Tara Basa Program, individuals and families contribute to improving literacy among Filipino children. This collective effort provides struggling students with essential reading skills and creates opportunities for community growth.
Recent Updates
In recent events, DSWD provided cash-for-work compensation to over 2,000 parents in Valenzuela City, participating in the Tara Basa Program. These parents, who engage in the program’s “Nanay-Tatay” sessions, play an active role in building their children’s literacy foundation. DSWD continues to collaborate with local governments to expand this program, benefiting struggling readers and college student tutors across the nation.
Important Reminders
Tutors and beneficiaries of the DSWD Tara Basa Program should follow certain guidelines to ensure smooth participation and maximize the program’s benefits. Here are some reminders for both tutors, parents, guardians, and students involved in the program:
For Parents/Guardians
- Attend all scheduled “Nanay-Tatay” learning sessions as required.
- Actively support your child in preparing for each reading session and completing any follow-up assignments.
- Ensure to bring necessary documents to all program-related activities for verification.
- Provide accurate contact details to receive timely updates about sessions and assistance schedules.
For Student Beneficiaries
- Participate fully in all reading sessions with assigned tutors.
- Complete reading and learning activities to the best of your ability.
- Communicate any learning challenges or issues to tutors for additional support.
For Tara Basa Tutors
- Attend all required training sessions and meetings prior to tutoring.
- Prepare lesson plans and materials in advance for each reading session.
- Maintain a professional and encouraging attitude with both students and their parents.
- Complete daily attendance records and progress reports accurately.
- Communicate promptly with program coordinators regarding any issues or scheduling conflicts.
- Ensure punctuality and consistency in all sessions to build trust and rapport with students.
- Keep personal information about beneficiaries confidential, following program guidelines.
Video: DSWD Tara Basa Tutoring Program
The DSWD Tara Basa Tutoring program offers financial support to college-level students through a cash-for-work setup, covering daily expenses and providing valuable teaching practice. This initiative allows college students to gain real-world experience in education and make a lasting impact on their communities by improving literacy among elementary learners. Likewise, it also helps elementary school students and parents raise the reading competency skills of the young ones. Watch this video from dswdserves to learn more.
Summary
The DSWD Tara Basa Program is a dynamic initiative promoting literacy and providing financial assistance to Filipino families and college students. Designed to support struggling young readers, the program brings together community efforts in educational improvement. Those interested in joining as a tutor or beneficiary can reach out to their local DSWD office for more details.