Send 200 Filipino kids to better daycare centers

Over the past few months, Haligi ng Bata, Inc. (HBI) has continued its efforts to support early childhood education through the Daycare Improvement Project. While we have remained focused on providing essential daycare materials and equipment in both La Union and Metro Manila public daycare centers, recent developments in the education sector have underscored the urgent need for additional learning support. The uncertainty surrounding USAID funding has directly impacted educational programs across the Philippines, including the Department of Education’s literacy and numeracy tutorial initiatives. With the suspension of these critical programs, young learners—particularly those already struggling in literacy and numeracy—are at greater risk of falling further behind.

In response, HBI is expanding its existing Home-based Tutorial Program to meet the specific needs of younger children.

Adapting the Home-Based Tutorial Program for Early Learners

Since 2022, HBI has successfully implemented a home-based tutorial program for Grade 4 to 6 students, providing much-needed academic reinforcement during school breaks. This student support program was launched in response to the challenges identified by both students and teachers when in-classroom learning resumed in April 2022 after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools closed from March 2020 to April 2022 and with formal education continuing via distance learning, many students struggled with foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Recognizing this gap, HBI designed the tutorial program to help children catch up on essential learning and build stronger academic foundations

This year through your donations and support, HBI through the Daycare Improvement Project is adapting this initiative for younger children aged 4 to 7, ensuring that early learners receive specialized support in literacy and numeracy at a critical stage in their development. Starting in April 2025 through July 2025, HBI will provide approximately 100 children identified by their teachers as academically struggling based on their classroom performance with customized learning kits tailored to their specific challenges in reading, writing, and mathematics. Unlike generic learning materials, these kits will be personalized based on each child's areas of difficulty, giving them the right tools to build a strong academic foundation.

Volunteer teachers from daycare centers and local public elementary schools will conduct virtual tutorials, guiding children through structured lessons to strengthen their comprehension and problem-solving skills. In addition, the parents and guardians of these 100 children will undergo capacity-building and training to ensure they can actively support their children's learning. Their involvement is crucial in reinforcing the tutorial lessons at home, helping children stay engaged and on track with their studies.

Beyond Daycare: Expanding Educational Access

While the Daycare Improvement Project continues to provide essential materials and equipment for public daycare centers, this expanded tutorial initiative is a proactive effort to address educational gaps in early childhood learning. With public literacy and numeracy programs on pause, this initiative ensures that young children do not miss out on crucial early education support. Additionally, by equipping parents with the skills and confidence to support their children's education, we are fostering a stronger learning environment at home, ensuring that lessons extend beyond virtual sessions.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining and Expanding the Program

HBI remains committed to refining and improving this tailored approach for younger learners. As we monitor the progress of participating children, we will continue to adjust teaching strategies, expand outreach, and explore opportunities to reach more children in need. By next year, we expect to support even more learners, further strengthening their preparedness for formal schooling.

Our Heartfelt Acknowledgments

To our GlobalGiving donors, your support makes this possible. At a time when many public education programs face uncertainty, your generosity allows us to step in and provide the resources, guidance, and opportunities that children need to thrive. Your contributions also empower parents to take an active role in their children's learning journey, making education a truly community-driven effort. Thank you for standing with us—we couldn’t do this without you.