You can be a BIDA (hero) and help pandemic-hit schools with as little as singkwenta (P50) donation!
In its commitment to continuously support education regardless of time, space or threats, volunteer-powered group, I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) is calling on everyone to join hands anew in its fundraising campaign called Bigay-Ayuda para sa Eskwela or BIDA Eskwela Year 2.
The multi-awarded non-profit organization aims to raise at least P200,000 in 50 days from every donor’s P50 or singkwenta pocket donations with #BIDAEskwelaSingkwenta. Collections from this social media push will help select underprivileged schools in the Philippines that have been equally affected by the ongoing pandemic.
Now on its second year, BIDA Eskwela targets to send supplemental aid to 20 initial beneficiaries from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that include schools in Pangasinan, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Bulacan, Romblon, Rizal, Metro Manila, Antique, Bukidnon, Agusan Del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao City, and Zamboanga City.
The nationwide, digital-centric donation drive runs from Aug. 5 to Sept. 24, in time for the opening of School Year 2021-2022 next month.
Learning delivery challenges
The State of Public Health Emergency has brought many challenges to the Philippine education system particularly on the implementation of the new modalities of learning. Reports from the ground showed that among schools that opted for modular distance learning through printed format, teachers were hounded by lack of supplies such as bond paper and ink for the production of their textbooks, activity sheets, and learning guides. The limited access to reproduction machines like printers and photocopiers also hampered the timely distribution of these learning materials, resulting in delays in learning. Furthermore, teachers faced problems in availing proper personal protective equipment while distributing modules.
On the other hand, insufficient internet subsidies impeded schools from implementing modular distance learning in digital format. Limited access to quality gadgets with specifications to complete required tasks in learning such as making videos and ebooks also worsened the problem.