It is reported that 90.9% of Filipino children ages 10 and under are unable to read and solve simple math problems (World Bank). That is way too low. Though the Philippines, have one of the highest attendance rates, they are still falling behind and ranked last in learning and schooling deprivation in all of East Asia. These declines are caused by all-time high poverty rates, lack of an education budget, and the COVID-19 gap year. The learning gap is equivalent to 5.5 years, and we can see that through international assessments. This crisis has become so bad that the President and Vice-President have decided to take leadership in these sectors. The education of Filipino children feels personal to me because I have struggled with the COVID-19 gap, myself. Though it may not be equivalent to the 5.5 years, I still felt disappointed and deficient. I cannot imagine how discouraged they feel. In the future, I would like to be able to help these kids through SimplySkilled workbooks, aswell help tutor them in the English language.
How can this be fixed?
This is an ever-growing issue, so slowing down the decline may take some time. Ways to help, include donating to educational nonprofits and contributing to scholarships. Only 17% of Filipinos can afford to attend higher education. Through donations of scholarships, we can help send these students to higher education. Educating others on the topic is a huge help as well. Whether writing an article like myself or reposting the issue on Instagram, you can help spread the message to others. Finally, you can join organizations like SimplySkilled. At SimplySkilled we create and provide educational workbooks to grades 1-3 to educate and build upon their knowledge.
Resources and Organizations
Organizations that are trying to prevent this issue are:
- Education Foundation of the Philippines has already partnered with many elementary schools, like Calapacuan Elementary. This foundation has provided science, math, and reading materials for all grades and general school supplies. They partner with God’s Little Lambs, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Quezon Hill Community Church to advocate for school children in the Philippines.
- Teach for Phillippines is providing adequate education to Filipino children by enlisting young leaders as teachers. With over 40,000 teachers needed, they focus on providing quality educational leaders. Since 2013, they have reached over 10,000 public school students annually.
- Room to Read has helped over 18 million students throughout Asia and Africa. They focus on providing children’s literacy and girls’ education. They have distributed books in 35 languages and recently published books in their 36th language, Filipino. They have provided books to Flipino public school that shares themes of inclusivity and gender inequality