Teachers for a Day: MR.DIY, World Vision, empower Baseco Youth through ‘Brigada Pagbasa’

For Alex, one of MR.DIY's employee volunteers, who has long been searching for a chance to instruct young people, it was a Saturday to remember.

He finds satisfaction in witnessing pupils grasp concepts and derive meaning from their tasks while developing sincere relationships with their "teachers for a day."

Claire, an employee turned volunteer, felt that teaching the kids was a gift because she saw how appreciative and selfless they were, which made her realize how fortunate she is.

Along with Alex and Claire, 16 other staff members and volunteers from MR.DIY, a well-known home improvement store, teamed up with World Vision International on Saturday, April 20, at the Baseco Compound in Manila, to empower youth through the Brigada Pagbasa Program.

Volunteers from MR.DIY engaging in fun activities with 34 schoolchildren from the Sen. Benigno Aquino Elementary School during the Brigada Pagbasa last April 22.

The partnership with World Vision acknowledges the significance of education in ensuring a better future for children, grounded in one of Acts of Kindness (AOK), the overarching corporate social responsibility program of MR.DIY. This program is based on the core pillar of youth and education. 

The program's goal was to help 34 Sen. Benigno Aquino Elementary School students in Grades 4 through 7 become more proficient readers. As soon as these students complete all 16 sessions of the Brigada Pagbasa Program, they will be scheduled for a post-test to evaluate their development. 

Ms. Mydee David, MR.DIY Philippines’ Head of HR, delivers her remarks for the volunteers and participants of the Brigada Pagbasa program.

Mr. Charles Salecina, MR.DIY Philippines’ Deputy Head of Marketing speaks before school children participating in Brigada Pagbasa.

He affirmed that education is a priceless gift that will never fade and that MR. DIY is prepared to help students become better understanders. He also emphasized the significance of reading as a foundational skill for students' futures.

The Department of Education launched Brigada Pagbasa, an after-school reading intervention program that collaborates with community partners to enhance students' reading abilities. It uses the Lit DAPAT tool to evaluate reading readiness and comprehension levels, allowing for targeted interventions to meet particular learning needs.

This cooperative project by Mr. DIY, World Vision, and DepEd's Brigada Pagbasa is a ray of hope that demonstrates the transforming potential of community partnerships in creating a more promising future for future generations.