Childlink and the Cebu City Public Library continue a partnership built on literacy, service, culture, and community
For more than two decades, Childlink Learning Center and the Cebu City Public Library have shared a meaningful partnership founded on a simple but powerful belief: that every child should have the opportunity to discover the joy of reading, learning, culture, and service.
End of the year Program for the Free Early Literacy Program
This long-standing relationship continues through the 4th Early Literacy Program at the Cebu City Public Library, an initiative that introduces children ages 4 to 7 years old to beginning reading while helping them develop an appreciation and love for books.
A highlight of this year’s program is the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Childlink and the Cebu City Public Library, formalizing their continued cooperation in providing early literacy experiences to young learners.
Representing Childlink as signatories are Maria Theresa Tio, School Founder and President, and Ms. Auda Antiporta, Head of Guidance Services. Representing the Cebu City Public Library are Balbino “Ka Bino”Guerrro Jr. the OIC and Head and Library Supervisor and Ms. Reya Marisse Chua Abing, the Assistant OIC and Internship and Immersion Supervisor .
Building Readers Through Meaningful Experiences
The Early Literacy Program is conducted once a week, every Friday, for one and a half hours, with an average of 24 to 26 sessions, similar to an entire school year.
A Childlink preschool teacher leads the program with the support of other teachers and Childlink’s High School Linkers. The children are introduced to beginning reading through stories, books, activities, and workbook exercises designed to make reading an enjoyable experience rather than simply an academic requirement.
The HS Linkers helping in the program
The modules and books used in the program were designed by Maria Theresa Tio, founder of Childlink, reflecting the school’s belief that young children learn best when learning is purposeful, engaging, and connected to real experiences.
An equally important part of the program is the participation of the High School Linkers. They assist the preschool teacher, participate in storytelling, and help the young learners complete their workbook activities.
For these older students, the program becomes a lesson in service. They learn to be patient with younger children, communicate with them, take responsibility, and use their own abilities to help others.
This is closely connected to Childlink’s Center for Life Skills and Innovation Lab, where students are intentionally prepared not only with academic knowledge but with practical life skills, character, leadership, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward others.
More Than Twenty Years of Community Partnership
The Early Literacy Program is only one part of Childlink’s long-standing support for the Cebu City Public Library.
Over the years, Childlink has also helped the Public Library bring reading materials closer to communities through the Mobile Library—a portable bookshelf-like container where books can be stored and brought to different communities for reading sessions.
The Mobile Library, now adapted by other civic organizations as a way to bring books to various communities
Through initiatives such as these, books are brought beyond the walls of a traditional library and closer to children who may otherwise have limited opportunities to access them.
Childlink has likewise remained active in cultural presentations organized with the Public Library, supporting activities that promote and celebrate Filipino culture, traditions, and values.
High School LInkers actively participating cultural acitvities
Childlink Rondalla Ensemble perfoming at the Public Library
The partnership has therefore grown beyond a single literacy activity. It has become a continuing effort to connect children with books, communities with learning opportunities, and young people with the responsibility to serve.
For Childlink, this is what meaningful education should be—learning that goes beyond the classroom, connects generations, serves communities, and prepares young people for life.
For more than 20 years, Childlink and the Cebu City Public Library have continued to build this connection—one child, one book, one story, and one act of service at a time.
It is the spirit behind Childlink’s philosophy:
Learn. Link. Lead.
