
Dr. Jennie M. Bito, GSELS adviser (3rd from left) with Jake Denson and Joel Badua (GSELS officers) and Ms. Fairy Mae K. Tad-o and Minerva Paycan of ANHS. (from left to right pic)
Atok, Benguet – As part of its ongoing commitment to literacy and community outreach, the Benguet State University (BSU) College of Arts and Humanities – Department of English, in collaboration with the Graduate School’s English Language Studies (CAH-GSELS) officers, donated a collection of reading books to Atok National High School (ANHS) on March 15, 2024
The initiative is part of Project Adopt a School Program, launched in January 2023, which aims to support literacy and learning development across local schools in the Cordillera region. The donation effort was spearheaded by CAH-GSELS Adviser Dr. Jennie M. Bito, with books collected through the Department of English (DOE) intended to benefit both the students and teachers of ANHS.
A turnover ceremony was held at ANHS and facilitated by the school’s librarian, Ms. Fairy Mae K. Tad-o, with support from activity in-charge Minerva Paycan. The reading materials were formally handed over to the school community, symbolizing BSU’s ongoing partnership and dedication to educational development in Atok.
In connection with the donation, a post-assessment was conducted to evaluate the impact of the initial reading interventions carried out during Phase 1 of the project. Led by DOE Extension Coordinator Candace Grail K. Belgica and select GSELS officers, the assessment focused on identifying changes in the reading proficiency levels of Grade 8 students and highlighting areas for further improvement.
A separate survey was administered to Grade 7 students to gain insights into their reading habits, interests, proficiency levels, and learning needs. The data gathering was led by DOE Research Coordinator Tyrene Joy Basal, in collaboration with GSELS officers, and is expected to inform the design of future literacy programs tailored to student needs.
To further enrich the evaluation, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held to explore students’ personal reading challenges, experiences, and the various factors influencing their reading performance. The qualitative feedback from the FGD will help shape targeted strategies and support mechanisms to enhance students’ reading skills.
Looking ahead, the team from BSU proposed future interventions, including psychological assessments for students and capacity-building seminars for teachers, to be facilitated by BSU’s pool of psychologists. These proposed activities aim to provide holistic support by addressing both academic and emotional aspects that affect reading and learning.
This multi-layered initiative reflict BSU’s ongoing commitment to fostering literacy, improving educational outcomes, and building sustainable partnerships with local schools. Through Project Adopt a School, BSU continues to empower learners and educators in Atok and beyond.
By: Faustina T. Dio-as – CAH Coordinator