Negros Youth Organization Helps Children Overcome Literacy Challenges
A youth organization in Negros Occidental, Philippines, is making significant strides in addressing literacy challenges among children in marginalized communities. The Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Incorporation (HBONI) was founded by public school teacher Kenneth Bacala in 2018. Bacala recognized the need for youth involvement in nation-building and the persistence of literacy problems among some children.
The organization began with 16 student volunteers from Himamaylan City National High School, all motivated by the common goal of helping children in marginalized communities. Bacala aimed for HBONI to be recognized in Negros Island as an organization that supports education, particularly in grassroots communities. He also hopes that the organization will foster the development of youth leaders who will contribute to nation-building through impactful projects.
The journey for HBONI has not been easy, as they faced numerous challenges, including the sourcing of funds and availability of volunteers. However, they were undeterred in their mission. Their first initiative, the PagBasa: May Pagasa sa Pagbasa project, focuses on enhancing the literacy skills of disadvantaged and non-reader children in remote schools and communities. The program includes weekend reading tutorials, storytelling sessions, and values formation activities throughout the summer season.
Since its inception, HBONI has experienced remarkable growth. They started with 35 beneficiaries in 2018 and expanded to 88 children in 2020. Today, HBONI has impacted nearly 200 learners and counting. Precious Gwyneth Villagomesa, the head of the PagBasa project and a psychology student, shared her passion for working with children and the joy she finds in helping children in grassroots communities gain access to education through tutorial sessions.
HBONI’s PagBasa project aims to decrease the number of non-readers through a comprehensive literacy program. By utilizing available resources, the organization helps children improve their reading abilities, fosters their passion for volunteerism, and develops strong partnerships with schools, communities, and stakeholders.
Theresa Carbajosa, a parent from Sitio Wayang, Barangay 3 in Himamaylan City, expressed her gratitude for HBONI’s initiative. She highlighted the challenges parents face when it comes to supporting their children’s education, and how HBONI has made a positive impact by providing educational assistance and teaching children how to read and write during the summer season.
In addition to the PagBasa project, HBONI has implemented various other initiatives, such as ECO 143, Project Tikang, ABC+ project, ProSeed, PagkaOwn, Lead for Hope, HomeAid, E-Skwela-on-air, and Bida Love. The organization boasts over 600 youth volunteers in Negros Occidental, all driven by a shared commitment to making a difference in their communities.
The efforts of HBONI are commendable, as they work tirelessly to empower children and address the literacy challenges they face. By providing educational support and promoting volunteerism, HBONI is contributing to the holistic development of young individuals while fostering a sense of responsibility towards nation-building. Through their ongoing initiatives, HBONI continues to bring hope and opportunities to children in marginalized communities, enabling them to fulfill their potential.
