PASSION TO MISSION. Dinafe Rara (left), an English teacher of Xavier Ateneo JHS, interacts with the pupils of Grade 1 - Orchid of Lumbia Central School. The pupils listen eagerly as she asks thoughtful questions that probe the content of the story and stir the interest of the pupils. 

Report and photos by Juanito R Oliveria II

Young readers benefited from an outreach program conducted by Xavier Ateneo Junior High School - English Department in partnership with the Xavier Book Lovers Club (XBLC) on Saturday, March 16, at Lumbia Central School (LCS), Cagayan de Oro City.

Esther Bajuyo, an English teacher and XBLC moderator, together with the members of the club, provided two fully-furnished bookshelves and construction materials for additional bookshelves.

Meanwhile, XUJHS English department provided two boxes of reading materials in the form of children’s books that were offered by the XUJHS Grade 7 students during the Eucharistic celebration that started the English Month 2019 celebration.

Jennifer Yu, the department chairperson, expressed her joy in seeing the genuine smiles of excitement and gratitude on the faces of the pupils receiving their new books.

“The XBLC has been instrumental in helping the English department realize its thrust, which is to instill in the young learners the importance of reading and to encourage them to love reading,” she said.

XBLC prepared a short program which consisted of a child-engaging GTKY through Jet Hokin Paclar’s animated narration of one of Virgilio Almario’s "Pilandok" series retold using the Mother Tongue Approach, Adeva Jane Esparrago’s poetry reading and appreciation, parlor games, and actual book reading.

The short program was actively participated by 36 Grade 1 - Orchid pupils under the advisory of Lorena V Edrolin. The LCS librarian, parents, and teachers were also present to support and witness the activity.  

XBLC president Johanine Ishsha C VIllarte said there’s a sense of fulfillment in doing outreach programs outside schoolwork. In their second visit to LCS, she added that XBLC will continue to do the project and look for ways to sustain it.

XBLC is one of the special interests clubs under the formation program of XUJHS. 

Bajuyo mentioned that they have chosen LCS because it is one of the school’s Tulong Dulong partners.

She continued: “The primary objective of this activity is to promote childhood literacy and access to children’s books that would really enhance the pupils’ love of reading and entice them to follow their dreams. It is hoped that LCS teachers will have the sustaining power to develop literacy by finding time to read aloud to the pupils and bring greater encouragement to master the macro-skills – listening, reading, speaking, and then writing."

LCS has two school libraries; one of them will house the donated books and bookshelves.

“This will surely spark interest among our pupils," said Teresa W Pajo, the school library in-charge. "Through reading, they will start to share and later on tell stories, too.” 

Considering good results in its second-year run, the English department wishes to hold similar activities as it continues to encourage Filipino learners to keep communicating, collaborating, and creating. ∎ 

HAND-IN-HAND. The English department faculty members and LCS representatives (from left to right) Jet Hokin Paclar, Kate Ebonia, Jennifer Yu, Teresa Pajo, Lorena Edrolin, Esther Bajuyo, Adeva Esparrago, Michele Romorosa, Dinafe Rara, Anili Butcon, and Juanito Oliveria II. 

BUILDING THE FUTURE. XBLC members, LCS teachers, and parents help transport all donations for the pupils.

SHOW AND TELL. Jet Hokin Paclar, an English teacher, shares his skills in storytelling skills with props and PowerPoint presentation. He used MTB-MLE approach in sharing the story of Pilandok.

SPEAK TO ENGAGE. Adeva Esparrago, an English teacher, shares beautiful poems while pupils listen intently to every word she utters.

NO BOUNDARIES. A kid approaches the donated resources and explores the materials that afford him a colorful experience on every page. He continues to flip pages from book to book regardless of the ongoing program inside the classroom.