Creating Reading Corners for Young Learners: Read sa RHU
Read sa RHU partners with the health care delivery system to promote early literacy, training health workers on effective storytelling and providing developmentally-appropriate books to health facilities.
Since Read sa RHU entered their municipality in 2018, partner beneficiaries from Samal, Bataan have maximized the resources, skills, and opportunities accorded by the program to develop the love for books of children who visit the rural health unit (RHU) and barangay health station (BHS).
Health workers from Samal, Bataan participated in the effective storytelling workshop under the Read sa RHU program. © AGFI
Two health workers, Catalina Dela Cruz and Espie Santos, helped build and manage the reading corners supported by Read sa RHU. Both set up the reading materials using book pockets from the program, which allows full visibility and easy reach for young visitors.
To them, the positive impact of making books accessible transcends the four walls of health facilities. Catalina believed that “nakakatulong tayo na nagmumulat sa pagbabasa sa mga bata kasi sa daycare, takot sila. At least kung maaga pa lang namumulat na 'yung bata sa libro, kahit sa bahay, pagdating sa daycare, hindi na siya masyadong takot sa pagpasok… (we help encourage children to read, especially since they get scared when entering daycare. At least when they have exposure to books early on, even at home, they will not be as scared…)" For Espie, other benefits include “nalilibang ang mga bata (children have fun)” and “natututo sila makisalamuha sa ibang bata (they learn to socialize with other children)."
A young visitor of the health facility explored the booklets and books included in the book pocket. © Catalina Dela Cruz
Catalina narrated that the capacity-building support that their health unit received years ago continues to guide them in inspiring young visitors to read. According to her, “Mayroon kaming mga bata din na napapabasa dito. Minsan mayroon akong vinideo na tinuturuan ko 'yung bata, wala pang tatlong taon…May libro kasi dito, 'yung bagong pinapamigay. 'Yun 'yung binasa ko sa kaniya, (We have children who we encouraged to read here. There was a time when I took a video of myself teaching a child less than three years old…There are books here, the new ones we distribute. That’s what I read to them.)” She and other health workers also actively engage with parents to advance early reading at home. “…Sabi nga namin, bigyan ng time. Halimbawa, matutulog na o halimbawa, ipakita sa bata o bigyan ng time na basahan o kuwentuhan bago matulog. Okay naman sa kanila. Sinasabi namin na 'wag cellphone ang ibibigay sa mga bata, (We said to make time. For instance, before sleeping time. Show a book or read to the child before sleeping time. We advise them not to give cell phones,)” the midwife added.
Espie conducted a learning session with mothers on early literacy by the reading corner. © Espie Santos
According to Catalina and Espie, Samal RHU integrates Read sa RHU into the existing health initiatives and systems. “Habang naghihintay sila doon sa pag-che-check up sa doktor, hinihikayat muna namin 'yung mga bata o iniimbita namin sa room doon sa reading corner ng Adarna para magbasa naman sila, (While waiting for their check-up with the doctor, we invite children to visit the reading corner of Adarna so that they can read,)“ Catalina shared. In the words of Espie, “During vaccination schedule po ng mga bata ay naibabahagi namin ang pagbabasa sa mga nanay. Gayun din po pag nag-conduct kami ng mother's class. (We get to promote early reading to mothers during vaccination schedule and mother’s class.)”
Young visitors of the health facilities in the municipality likewise enjoy the reading corners. Quoting Catalina, “Meron akong experience doon na 'yung bata tinatawag ng nanay, ayaw ng umuwi. Gusto nila doon na lang siya magbasa…Meron pa akong na-experience doon meron siyang special child. 'Pag pina-check up siya ng nanay niya, alam niya na saan siya pupunta. Pupunta siya sa reading corner tapos maghahanap na siya ng libro na gusto niya. (I had an experience with a child who wanted to stay and read despite being called by their mother and needing to go home. I also had an experience with a special child who knows where to go every time they are brought in for a check-up. They go to the reading corner and look for books they like.)”
When asked for advice to fellow health workers regarding their successful early literacy promotion in the health facilities, Catalina and Espie echoed the same sentiment: Allot time to teach and read to the children who visit. AGFI is one with the health workers when they expressed that all the blood, sweat, and tears poured into the implementation of the program become worth it because “nakakatulong ka sa mga bata. (you get to help children.)”