As schools will transition to full face-to-face (F2F) classes by November, a group of young volunteers here are preparing their tools to ensure learners will have clean classrooms and a spacious playground.

Led by Patrick John Ratuita, president of the Sirib Ilokano Kabataan Association (SIKA), on Saturday vowed to support the national school maintenance week or Brigada Eskwela by choosing at least two schools where they will be launching the “BESkuwela Express” to help prepare schools during the opening of classes.

SIKA is the largest and most active non-government organization in the province.

“These schools are the Adams National High School and the Barong National High School in Dingras,” said Ratuita as he reported they will be helping in cleaning and painting the schools as well as ensuring they will meet the minimum health protocols of face-to-face learning.

Aside from participating in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education, the SIKA in cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office under the provincial government, has been visiting public schools and universities in pre-pandemic times to bring services to the youth.

Their services include educational scholarship, sports equipment, employment assistance, guidance counseling as well as free seminars and workshops on photography, graphic design, personality development and responsible adolescence sexuality, among others.

Brigada Eskwela usually starts two weeks before the school opening but for Ilocos Norte schools, this has become an all-year-round activity with the help of local communities and youth volunteers such as SIKA to inspire learners to go to school. (PNA)