In a world with many trials and temptations, libraries provide a haven where young minds are free to explore, imagine and learn in a healthy environment. Most importantly, they allow the young to see a world of unlimited potentials and exciting possibilities. Bagong Kulturang Pinoy, Inc.’s (BKP) mission and tireless work has made itself a custodian of children’s dreams.
Established in Acton, Massachusetts in 1998, to foster a reading culture among children in poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines, BKP is a non-for-profit organization composed of dedicated volunteers brought together by a common desire to share their passion for reading and make every child a reader. It is a brainchild of Rowena Jimenez who first dreamt to develop an anti-poverty program for the children of Barangka, Marikina. Her experiences convinced her that the most effective way to assist the underprivileged was to help them obtain an education.
Despite being relatively new, BKP has funded the establishment of BKP mini-children’s libraries in schools, community centers and churches in about 55 provinces all over the Philippines, providing over a hundred thousand children with access to colorful and enticing children’s books and to BKP reading skills programs. BKP has also partnered with the local government and NGOs in setting up reading centers for children who live in extremely poor areas such as those who live in dumpsites of Payatas and Tondo. BKP believes that when children develop a love for reading, they will acquire good reading skills, and develop proficiency in English. Less privileged children who read proficiently and speak English fluently, are far better equipped to escape from poverty and to build a better future for themselves.
Aside from establishing libraries and reading centers, BKP also conducts regular reading sessions through its Read Aloud Program, where children listen to stories read by trained teachers and volunteers. To implement the program, BKP has funded the training and workshop of teachers and volunteers in the Philippines. In 2005, BKP conducted a series of Concentrated Language Encounter (CLE) read aloud workshops in Manila, Cagayan and Romblon. Developed by Rotarians from Australia and Thailand, CLE is a teaching method which has proven very successful in improving literacy rates, enabling communities to preserve and promote cultural strengths and qualities which too often, get lost in a fast-paced way of life. Moreover, BKP also supports reading programs of the Open Heart Foundation, Hope for the Youth Foundation, and other NGOs that cater to children in densely-populated-squatters and resettlement areas, as well as street children.
Beneficiaries have claimed that BKP’s programs have positively shaped the children, not only to develop an understanding of the English language, but also a love for books and for reading. Whereas before, the students have nowhere to go or would just loiter around during break hours, now they would flock the library. The enthusiasm of the young has contaminated the idealism of the old for even the senior citizens have come to assist in the Read Aloud Program and teach the young.
BKP has touched the lives of so many children and have made a positive difference in their lives. In a situation of hopelessness, BKP has given these kids a ray of hope – that there is a world outside the slums, a world waiting to be discovered and conquered. BKP, indeed has opened a door through reading, a positive habit that could nurture them through adulthood. When children are able to read, they will be ready to learn and ready to lead.
In conferring the Banaag Award to Bagong Kulturang Pinoy, Inc., the President recognizes its invaluable contribution to literacy, in establishing mini-libraries and conducting educational programs to develop a culture for reading and promote literacy among underprivileged children in the Philippines.
