Makati City Library is bringing new digital reading and writing experiences to children living in six underserved barangays (suburbs) on the outskirts of Makati City in the Philippines, and engaging whole families in children’s educational journey.
The library, located in the city centre, is less accessible to people living in the barangays. To address this challenge the library has created a mobile digital reading and writing programme titled 'Let's Read Together’.
Taking advantage of the widespread ownership and use of smartphones and tablet computers across Makati City, including the barangays, the library’s ‘Let’s Read Together’ programme is built around mobile apps that provide interactive learning content.
“Our objective is to bridge educational gaps by providing accessible digital resources to underserved communities, thereby promoting literacy and essential skills development for children. At the same time, the programme encourages family engagement and strengthens family bonds,” says Jennifer Jupson-Laluna, Library Division Head at Makati City Library.
Taking the programme to the barangays
The first step, before taking the programme to a barangay, is to meet with, and secure the participation of the Barangay Captain (leader). This meeting lays the ground for a launch event that is vital to the programme’s success. After wide publicity by the library, the launch is held in a central venue (a school or community hall) chosen by the Barangay Captain, and all families are invited to attend.
The Makati City Library programme moderators open the launch and then librarians, teachers and volunteers guide the participants - parents/guardians and children - in downloading the apps to their smartphones and tablets. This is followed by a lively literacy session in which children aged 4 - 7 use games on the Plingo app to learn how to trace letters and form and recognize words; children aged 8 - 12 read illustrated and interactive storybooks on the Let’s Read app, and children over 13 practise their read-aloud skills using a Bible stories app.
The adults and older children familiarize themselves with the Plingo app, and then teach the little ones how to use the mobile devices and the software. Parents can follow the progress of their children in learning letters and words by using a monitoring feature on the Plingo app. Older children are encouraged to retell stories they have read on the Let’s Read app in a creative way.
After the launch, the mobile library is stationed in the barangay for a full month, parking in four different streets for a week each, to continue the 'Let’s Read Together' programme and to extend it to people who could not participate in the launch. People can come to the mobile library to learn more, explore the mobile library’s collection, borrow books and digital resources, and join in daily activities, such as reading sessions. The librarians actively reach out to passers-by and introduce them to the digital reading and writing apps.
“Our aim is to develop reading habits in families, and inspire them to see reading as a joyous learning activity,” says Jennifer.
A ‘game changer’ for family time
The ‘Let’s Read Together’ programme was launched in April 2024, and by November 2024 it had reached 1,660 people, including 1,361 children (aged 4-12), 130 siblings of the children (aged 13-21), 158 parents/guardians, and 11 senior citizens living in six of the most under-resourced and underserved barangays.
In a written survey, over 90% of families participating in the launch rated the programme “excellent” overall, “very engaging” for family members, and successful in encouraging reading and writing.
In the weeks following the launch, participants visited the mobile library and spoke with library personnel. Parents expressed deep appreciation for the programme, describing it as a ‘game-changer’ for family time. Now, family interactions are more purposeful, focusing on skills development and shared goals in reading and learning.
One delighted mother recounted how her once-shy son now eagerly reads aloud, traces letters, and forms simple words. Their family has started gathering for regular story sessions, which has strengthened their bond and made reading a cherished activity at home.
“We have reached six barangays so far, and our plans include introducing the programme to all 22 barangays across the city,” says Jennifer.
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