Zonta Club Cebu II tackles learning poverty with innovative reading program

According to the World Bank’s 2022 data, 90% of Filipino 10-year-olds struggle with basic reading. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of universal literacy and numeracy by 2030.

The Zonta Club Cebu II, Philippines, led by education advocates Zn Wi Suan Tiu and Zn Laarni Wang, has partnered with the Cebu City Public Library to launch Basa Na Ta! (Let’s Read). This remedial reading program has selected underprivileged children aged 6-8 struggling with reading. Over six weeks, these children received intensive, interactive instruction from trained tutors.

At the end of the 6 weeks of instruction by the tutors, participants were up to par in grade-level reading. Some even exceeded grade-level expectations.

“Teach a child to read and you change a life forever.” Through Basa Na Ta!, the club is making a profound impact, transforming lives and advancing education one child at a time.