NABU Philippines Launch
The E. Zobel Foundation has partnered with NABU, a New York-based nonprofit focused on eradicating poverty through increased literacy, along with Globe Telecommunications to support underserved children in the Philippines by providing free access to mother tongue books.
Tanyella Allison, CEO and Co-Creator of NABU, explains that “these exciting new partnerships will promote accessible literacy for all children in the Philippines. NABU’s unique reading app, will offer free, data-less download access to original children’s stories written in various regional Filipino languages including Tagalog, Ilokano, Bikolano, Maranao, Hiligaynon as well as English.”
NABU also brings its global partner, HP Inc, to this coalition working together towards achieving the shared goal of reaching 250,000 readers in the Philippines.
The NABU Reading App presents e-books written in various regional Filipino languages, aims to broaden accessibility to new, locally created, culture considerate children’s stories.
To access NABU, download the app for free through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Click here to visit the Philippines Website
Educational Assistance Program
The Foundation continues to pursue and administer two separate scholarship programs funded by Mercedes Zobel and the late Mr. Tom Layng. For the school year 2022-2023 a total of two hundred (200) scholars are enrolled in the program. The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, school supplies, school uniforms, food, board and lodging and transportation allowance.
Distribution of School Supplies
In order for children to have a better learning experience, they must be well equipped. Being prepared keeps youngsters motivated and enthusiastic. Having everything a pupil needs at school prepares them and offers them a sense of security that they would not have otherwise. A single set of school supplies might open the door to a bright and lucrative future. It is critical that future leaders are prepared in classrooms today.
EZF distributed school supplies packages to one hundred twenty-four (124) MZ Educational Assistance Program scholars and seventy-six (76) Tom Layng Educational Assistance Program scholars enrolled in Elementary, Secondary, Senior High School and College levels in August 2022, prior to the start of face-to-face classes.
Provision of School Uniforms
School uniforms require all pupils to wear the same clothes, which helps to level the playing field. This eliminates any preconceived notions about how to dress, increasing group cohesion and commonality. As a result, uniforms provide a strong sense of equality. This implies that all children are the same and originate from the same place, regardless of gender or financial background.
Before the commencement of the face to face classes this SY 2022-2023, the Foundation provided school uniform sets to its scholars, and a total of 159 sets of uniforms and 112 pairs of shoes.
Payment of Tuition, Miscellaneous fees and Books
This effort attempts to assist struggling parents in dealing with one of the costliest obligations they confront each school year. EZF believes that poverty affects education, and that education’s greatest impact on poverty is that it can help to eradicate it. In addition to other services, 58 college scholars got a monthly allowance to cover their expenses for food, transportation, board and lodging allowance.
Recognition of Scholars
The scholars’ recognition day was held last August 19, 2022 to recognize the academic achievements. Fifty-seven (57) MZ scholars and fifty-eight Tom Layng scholars were given certificates of recognition and cash incentives. Scholars who have garnered an average of 90 and above received this recognition. Scholars are more driven to achieve well in school as a result of these incentives.
Senior Citizens’ Assistance Program 2022
The Foundation continues to manage the senior citizen assistance program with 21 beneficiaries in 2022. The assistance includes monthly financial support, medical assistance of 30K in a year, burial assistance if needed, and health and well-being enhancement activities.
During the visit, the Foundation staff encouraged the beneficiaries to follow proper health regimens to improve their immunity. The Foundation is also in constant coordination with the health providers and attending physicians of the seniors for the updated health status of each beneficiary. The Foundation facilitated the on-time release of monthly allowances credited to their Banco ng Masa individual accounts. Likewise, reimbursements of their medical and hospitalization expenses were facilitated.