Universidad De Manila Empowers Young Women Learners Through TARA BASA Tutoring Program

Manila, Philippines – In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) – “Gender Equality”, Universidad De Manila (UDM) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting women’s access schemes through its involvement in the TARA BASA Tutoring Program. Now in its second year, the program focuses on improving reading proficiency among early-grade students, with particular emphasis on empowering young girls to build strong literacy foundations essential for academic success.

The TARA BASA (which translates to “Let’s Read“) program is designed to enhance reading skills, reduce dropout rates, and foster a love for reading among children. By providing tailored literacy support, the program addresses early education challenges, ensuring that more young women can thrive academically.

UDM’s Role in the TARA BASA Program

UDM has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement the TARA BASA program in selected elementary schools in Districts 1 and 2 of Manila. The program relies on volunteer tutors, including teachers, parents, community members, and UDM college students from diverse fields such as Teacher Education, Social Work, Psychology, and Business Administration.

These volunteer tutors receive specialized training to deliver effective reading instruction and provide meaningful support to the children they mentor. The volunteers’ contributions exemplify UDM’s commitment to fostering gender equality by empowering young women with the literacy skills they need to succeed academically and later in life.

Promoting Gender Equality Through Literacy

By focusing on literacy development, particularly for girls, UDM is directly contributing to SDG 5 by reducing barriers to education and ensuring that young women have the tools they need to thrive. Early literacy is critical to lifelong learning, and programs like TARA BASA play a key role in reducing gender disparities in education.

Inspiring Change Through Volunteerism

UDM’s volunteer students serve as inspiring examples of leadership and community engagement. Their dedication to helping young learners not only supports the students but also reinforces the importance of giving back to society. This initiative reflects UDM’s broader mission of promoting social responsibility and inclusivity.

A Future of Empowered Learners

As the TARA BASA program continues to expand, UDM remains committed to creating educational opportunities that empower both students and volunteers. The program is set to have a lasting impact by fostering a culture of literacy and equality, shaping the next generation of leaders.

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