Barefoot Philippines' first community engagement post-pandemic: empowering education in Cardona, Rizal

Last Saturday, 11 November 2023, Barefoot Philippines conducted their inaugural community engagement (CE) offsite with the students of Tadlak Elementary School from their partner community, Barangay Looc, in Cardona, Rizal. Through the Workbooks Workshop and Tutoring CE, Barefoot-ers facilitated and instructed kids from Grades 1 to 2 on various Math topics, enriching their learning experience.

One of the Barefoot-er participants, Jacy Valverde, shared that before the community engagement, there was some nervousness stemming from the fear of not being able to connect with the kids. However, this apprehension dissipated upon witnessing the smiles on their faces and experiencing their warmth and kindness.

Valverde expressed, “The preparation we invested was worthwhile as we successfully imparted foundational knowledge to the kids, which will significantly aid them in their academic journey throughout this school year and beyond.”

This engagement was coordinated in collaboration with SIGLA, led by Sir PJ de Mesa and Sir Dominador Alfabete, and Ma’am Rochelle Crisostomo, the principal of TES, alongside their SPTA. Serving as the initial offsite community engagement of the year, this event marks the beginning of a series aimed at strengthening Barefoot’s ties with partner communities and realizing the organization’s advocacy.

About Barefoot Philippines:
Barefoot Philippines, an organization of purpose-driven individuals, envisions a nation where children in rural communities flourish in empowering environments. We are a youth-led initiative that provides Ateneans avenues to become Champions for Children—advocates for the rights of children & instigators of sustainable development. Through community empowerment, we hope for every child to live a dignified life and to form environments that promote every child’s holistic development.