Go Backs YMCA BASA-Nihan literacy program

Twenty young learners from Barangay Puntod will receive a community-based boost in reading and writing skills as YMCA Cagayan de Oro launched BASA-nihan, a 20-week literacy program backed by City Councilor Gilda “Gigi” Go and public and private partners.

BASA-nihan, short for “Basa” and “Bayanihan,” will serve 20 learners aged 8 to 13 from St. John Elementary School in Barangay Puntod. The program targets non-readers and struggling readers, helping them develop foundational literacy competencies, which are the basic skills needed to read, understand, and write independently, in line with the Department of Education’s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, according to YMCA Cagayan de Oro.

They will attend two-hour sessions every Saturday, with city scholars as volunteer tutors.

While children learn, the program also harnesses the teaching, leadership, and community engagement skills of the tutors, who are students taking up education from different colleges in the city.

Go, YMCA Cagayan de Oro president, said she hopes BASA-nihan will grow beyond its initial implementation and become a sustainable initiative that creates lasting opportunities for young learners.

“As we officially begin this journey, I look forward to seeing BASA-nihan grow beyond this launching and become a lasting initiative that empowers young minds, strengthens communities, and opens greater possibilities for every learner we reach,” Go said in a post on her official Facebook page.

The program is in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), Limketkai Foundation, Limketkai Mall, City College of Cagayan de Oro, Local School Board, City Education and Development Office (CEDO), Puntod Barangay Council, and St. John Elementary School. (PGU/SP)