Literacy program offers Badjaos glimpse of hope

CEBU, Philippines - Education is a lifeline to most, a need to cross to self-sufficiency. The lack of it is an indirect bullying of one’s right for an education and a better living.

A right that most of our indigenous tribes are unaware of. Dwelling from the sea and living from one place to another, is a common traits of the indigenous group called Badjaos

Amidst the walls of poverty, many from this group do not know how to read and write. This is an inter-generational phenomenon. However, some of them refused to accept this fact. One of which is Raja Adventura, 35 yrs. old, widowed and has 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

No longer young, a chance to go back to school is so important for her that when an opportunity to gain knowledge came, she grabbed it. Said opportunity was theAlternative Learning System (ALS), a non-formal education of the Department of Education concentrating mostly on skills training, basic writing and reading. The ALS program was introduced by Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to the Badjao community wherein Raja is a qualified beneficiary.

DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program is a conditional cash transfer that provides incentives for poor families to invest in the future by ensuring that mothers and children avail of healthcare and for children to go to school with 85% monthly attendance. 

From the monthly cash grant they receive, Raja’s family was so happy because the cash grant goes a long way not only for food and education of her children but also became an inspiration and means for her to go back to school. She was able to save some money to buy notebook and ball pen that she greatly need in her studies.

Being a beneficiary of the said program gave her more encouragement to continue her studies.  “Now, Iam so happy because of DSWD’s support. I am more inspired to go back to school for the reason that I can now buy ball pen and notebook,”  Raja said in Cebuano.

She felt pride and joy because she can now write every letter of the alphabet, put them into words and reads it by herself. Before she came literate, she was so shy to face the crowd due to her educational status, this vulnerability is refraining her to socialize to other people. Now she gains confidence through education, she can vote all by herself without the assistance of other people. — Contributed by Aileen P. Lariba (FREEMAN)