A group of dedicated student teachers and faculty volunteers from the University of the Cordilleras College of Teacher Education (UC-CTE) have made a significant impact on the lives of young learners at Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School in Camp 8, Kennon Road.

The UC-CTE volunteers, led by Shayne Klarisse Dinamling, Alexander Am-una, and Maria Glena Mendoza, initiated a comprehensive remediation program aimed at improving the reading and mathematical skills of students in Grades 3 to 6. The program focused on vocabulary development, comprehension, reading fluency, and basic mathematical concepts.

Through consistent effort and innovative teaching strategies, the volunteers were able to help a significant number of students overcome their academic challenges. In the first implementation of the program, 12 out of 21 students who were initially identified as struggling readers no longer required remediation for the following school year. The second implementation expanded the program to Grades 3-6, and 24 out of 50 students were able to improve their skills to the point of no longer needing remediation.

The volunteers also took the initiative to support the school’s efforts to identify and address the needs of students with special needs. They organized a concert to raise funds for student diagnosis, demonstrating their commitment to the overall well-being of the school community.

The success of this volunteer initiative highlights the positive impact that higher education institutions can have on local communities. By sharing their knowledge and skills, UC-CTE volunteers have empowered young learners and provided them with the tools they need to succeed.