Distance learning has become a way of life in this new normal, and Globe continues to support initiatives that will help ease the struggle of over 100 Grade 1 pupils, their parents and teachers in the absence of face-to-face classes.

Globe has partnered with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI), ABS-CBN, and Mary’s Way Foundation through the Big Blue Hearts Campaign to enable learning with the help of free internet connection.

Under the project, KCFI, ABS-CBN and Mary’s Way Foundation were able to successfully raise funds to equip 102 students and teachers of Balibago Elementary School and Sta. Rosa Elementary School Central 1 and 3 with Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi modems.

On the other hand, Globe joined the campaign to support the beneficiaries with data load subsidies good for six months. This allows the beneficiaries to continue their Grade 1 classes and access Knowledge Channel videos and Basa Bilang learning resources at home.

“Globe as a technology company is doing its share in helping young children by providing connectivity for early education. With access to various channels, we hope that we are able to bridge distance learning for these young students,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications. On its own, Globe also assists teachers in providing Early Language Literacy to children through its Global Filipino Teachers webinar series.

KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez-Bautista said: “Many of our children are struggling to adapt to remote learning. This is why together with Globe Telecom, Mary’s Way Foundation, and ABS-CBN, we formed the Big Blue Hearts Campaign to help them improve their beginning reading skills. KCFI wishes to continue with the program long term. However, the pandemic set back our capacity to reach out to our students due to lack of connectivity.”

KCFI launched its Basa Bilang project in 2018 to improve the reading and math skills of early graders through the production and dissemination of animated and live action video lessons based on the Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum. KCFI helps create a solid educational foundation for early reading, numeracy and oracy – critical factors in a child’s educational development.

Esperanza “Espie” M. Batitis, a teacher at Sta. Rosa Elementary School Central 1, said the Basa Bilang and Wikaharian Videos are very helpful in teaching Filipino because they can enhance the traditional ways of teaching and keep more learners engaged.

“The videos help teachers save time in preparing visual materials in Filipino. It’s one of the better learning techniques nowadays. Because of movements and special effects, learning becomes more enjoyable than reading a text,” Batitis said.

DepEd adopted the distance learning set-up for SY 2020-2021 as face-to-face classes were suspended when the entire Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine in the middle of March last year to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

Through various programs and partnerships, Globe is able to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) particularly Goal No. 4 which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.