The popularity of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok has streamlined media consumption like never before. However, promoting reading remains vital as it is key for individuals to fully understand and keep pace with technological advancements, shifts in the economy, and changes in social norms.
Ms. Mariza Ochico, the Officer-in-Charge of the Quezon City Public Library, champions the profound and crucial role of reading. She highlights that “Reading books holds significant societal importance, contributing to individuals’ and communities’ intellectual, social, and cultural development. Books are a rich source of information, providing knowledge on diverse subjects. Access to books facilitates continuous learning and education for individuals of all ages. A well-read community is better equipped to understand complex issues, make informed decisions, and actively participate in civic life.”
A Unique Collaboration for Reading
To foster a community that values literacy, CIIT College of Arts and Technology and Quezon City Public Library have forged a unique partnership. Both institutions share a common goal in emphasizing the significance of reading and tutoring for students, including visually impaired children.
Ms. Ochico also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. She stated, “The partnership between CIIT and QCPL becomes exceptionally special and unique when the Literary Training Service (LTS) students offered to volunteer in reading tutorials, math tutorials, and the creation of audiobooks for visually impaired children. The inclusion of reading and math tutorials broadens the impact of the partnership by addressing fundamental educational needs. This comprehensive approach goes beyond literacy alone, contributing to overall academic development among children.”
Empowering the Future
At CIIT, we are committed to the principle that learning and access to resources should be equitable for all. The development of audiobooks for visually impaired children is a testament to our dedication to the holistic development of the community.
This initiative promotes not only equal access to education and literature but also a love of learning. In addition, we are also working with QCPL to achieve Educational Empowerment by helping children develop strong reading and math skills.
During an interview with Ms. Ochico, she further emphasized, “Through this partnership we hope to also instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness in National Service Training Program (NSTP) students, fostering a commitment to community service and contributing to societal well-being. Ultimately, the desired impact would be to create a community where education is accessible to all, where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential, and where collaborative efforts between educational institutions and public services contribute to the greater good.”
What We Can All Look Forward to
Certainly, in the digital era, it’s not enough to suggest that people should rely solely on traditional books for information. Through our joint initiative, we’re blending the appeal of technology with a more creative strategy. By leveraging various social media platforms, we can inspire people to read more, thereby making reading an exciting and fulfilling aspect of their daily lives.
Join us in promoting reading, education, and community empowerment in this digital age! To learn more about CIIT’s initiatives and contributions, please visit our homepage.
