In line with José Rizal University’s enduring commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the University launched the Reach Out a Friend 2024: Literacy Program, a collaborative initiative that underscores JRU’s mission to bring education beyond its campus walls and into the wider community.
Anchored by the Junior High School Division and supported by the SOCI of JRU, this initiative demonstrates how different sectors of the University can unite to create lasting social impact.
A centerpiece of this initiative was the volunteer tutoring program at Mandaluyong Elementary School, where six JRU-JHS volunteer tutors—composed of four classroom teachers, one department chair, and the Student Development Coordinator—dedicated ten consecutive Saturdays to assist nearly 80 Grade 2 and Grade 3 pupils who had been identified as slow or non-readers. Sessions were structured to provide focused one-on-one and small group interventions, helping pupils build confidence and competence in reading and comprehension.
The involvement of the SOCI clubs further broadened the program’s reach, as student-leaders supported awareness campaigns, provided resource materials, and promoted the culture of volunteerism among Rizalians. This collaborative effort highlighted JRU’s holistic approach, where academic divisions and co-curricular organizations work hand-in-hand to advance inclusive education.
The impact was evident: post-assessments from Mandaluyong Elementary School revealed significant improvements in pupils’ literacy skills and renewed enthusiasm for learning. Beyond academic gains, the program also reinforced values of compassion, resilience, and social responsibility among JRU volunteers—living out the Rizalian spirit of “Taos-Pusong Rizaliano.”
Through the Lingap Angat Community Learning Hub, JRU has proven that quality education thrives when schools, communities, and student organizations collaborate. This initiative affirms JRU’s vision of producing learners who are not only academically excellent but also socially engaged, committed to making education truly accessible for all.
*Disclaimer: Photos of children featured in this article are shared with consent and used solely for editorial and community purposes.