The city government launched Wednesday a comprehensive education program aimed at improving literacy and learning outcomes from early childhood through Grade 12.
Dubbed “Edu-Go: Read. Learn. Grow,” the initiative brings together government agencies, schools, communities and other partners to provide learners with appropriate support based on their needs.
“This is a very long journey and a hard one because we have a lot to cope with. This Edu-Go program, we really make sure it’s comprehensive; not only for daycare but until Grade 12,” Mayor Raisa Treñas said in her message during the launch.
The program has seven components: Edu-Go Sugod for early childhood development; Edu-Go Upod for learners with disabilities and those needing additional support; Edu-Go Basa for reading, numeracy and comprehension; Edu-Go Balik for out-of-school youth and adults seeking a second chance; Edu-Go Level-Up for skills development; Edu-Go Pamilya for families and communities; and Edu-Go Talaan to track learners’ needs and progress.
The initial implementation will focus on Edu-Go Sugod, including training and performance assessment for daycare teachers.
“If we have quality teachers equals quality students. And we will continue to train to make sure that we will deliver quality students and learners for Iloilo City,” Treñas said.
Edu-Go Sugod has three packages: Edu Liit for children below 3 years old and their parents or guardians; Pre-Kindergarten 1 for children aged 3 years and 11 months; and Pre-Kindergarten 2 for those aged 4 years and 11 months.
The city has 201 child development centers serving about 13,000 enrollees.
Treñas said the city chose to start with daycare because early childhood is where learning begins, including developing a love for reading.
The city also launched Project SABAT, or Capacitating Implementers Towards Strategic Actions for Better Accessibility of TAWAG Center in Iloilo City, an extension project of the West Visayas State University College of Education’s Division of Special Needs Education in partnership with the city government.
The project seeks to strengthen the skills of child development teachers in serving children with special needs and strengthen collaboration among families, communities and other stakeholders to bring inclusive services closer to learners. (PNA)
