The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) said that 357 parent tutors and youth development workers (YDWs) in Butuan City have already received their cash-for-work incentives under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.

The tutors and YDWs completed their 20-day Tutoring and Nanay-Tatay Teacher Sessions from May 9 to June 6 this year across 51 public elementary schools in Butuan City.

Of the total number of partner beneficiaries, 190 were parent tutors while 167 were YDWs.

“Throughout the 20-day implementation, the tutors facilitated reading intervention sessions for incoming Grade 2 learners to help strengthen their foundational reading skills, while the YDWs conducted Nanay-Tatay Teacher Sessions that equipped parents and guardians with practical strategies to support their children’s learning and reading development at home,” DSWD-13 said.

It added that the engagements of tutors and YDWs also provided them with opportunities to develop leadership, social responsibility, and volunteerism while serving their communities.

“The provision of CFW incentives forms part of the program that recognizes the valuable contributions of the tutors and YDWs to the successful implementation of Tara, Basa!” DSWD-13 said.

Among the parent tutors who received their incentives on July 23 were Jenalyn Ente and Rosario Mata, both residents of Butuan City.

“I will use the incentive to buy uniforms and other school needs of my children,” Ente said in the statement, as she thanked the DSWD for the opportunity given to her through the program.

Mata, who recognized the learning she gained during the 20-day CFW, said the payment she received is enough to sustain the daily needs of her children who are still schooling.

DSWD-13 also emphasized that beyond providing financial support for their educational needs, the incentives also encouraged the YDWs to continue serving as partners of the agency in advancing literacy, voluntarism, and community participation. (PNA)