St. Madeleine Sophie Foundation, Inc (SMSF) is a foundation began by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart in the Philippines as a way of living out their educative mission in situations of poverty. Through the years, it has evolved into an educational center that serves children from age 4 to young adults in college/university.

According to World Bank data (2022), 9 out of 10 Filipino children cannot read. With this alarming data, SMSF decided to launch a “Literacy Program”, to teach the children in the community of Rodriguez, Rizal how to read.

We share an interview with Lizette Santillan-Paas, Officer-in-Charge of Saint Madeleine Sophie Foundation, on her thoughts and inspirations in working towards eliminating illiteracy/learning poverty in their community:

 

For you, what does it take to eliminate illiteracy?

In order to help eliminate illiteracy, it takes collaborative efforts between the family of a learner and the educational organizations such as the school and other institutions. Families, educators, community members, and other stakeholders should work together. It is not enough that a learner is attending classes at the schools and the teachers take care of them. Appropriate help and support should be provided to them by the teacher, by the parents and the people in the community. 

Indeed, it takes the whole village to raise a learner. It takes the whole village to help eliminate illiteracy. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and members of the community must recognize the important role they can play in helping children learn and that whatever they do makes a difference.

 

How are you working towards eliminating illiteracy?

It is my joy to be part of Saint Madeleine Sophie Foundation ( SMSF) as one of the teachers. In this way, I am able to help eliminate illiteracy. I also give time in improving myself so that I can give more to the learners. I always tell myself that I am more than the child’s teacher. My role does not end in the classroom or in the center. 

I try my best to get to know my students deeper, in this way I will be able to look for other ways to help the child learn and to love learning. I try to help the children feel that this institution is more than a school for them, this as also their home. I make them feel comfortable. I make them feel that learning is fun.

What is an experience that empowers/inspires you to continue working towards eliminating illiteracy?

Since I started working here in SMSF, I am always inspired to work with the children and be their teacher. Their dreams are my dreams, too. The children are my inspiration. When I was in the university, I did not dream of becoming a teacher, but I believe it is God who brought me in this field. It is so fulfilling. I feel like it is my mission now - to continue being a teacher of then young children. By teaching, I can contribute in my own little ways in eliminating illiteracy. I am so grateful for all the experiences. 

Knowing that when the children get to master reading, when they get to learn what they have to learn while they are here in SMSF,  they will be one step forward in achieving their dreams. These give me inspiration to go on and continue with what I am doing. It empowers me as a teacher. It empowers me as a person.  Also, when I hear from the parents or from the children that they want to become a teacher someday, that is indeed so inspiring, especially if they will say that they want  teach young children and be like Teacher Lizette.

What is one thing you learned from working in this field that you would like to share to inspire others?

Working in this field where you get the opportunity to help the children learn how to read, be successful and reach their dreams is truly priceless. It feels good to be with the learner every step of the way teaching them how to read. I have learned to be more considerate and compassionate. It important that you know what you are doing to educate the children, but it is also equally important that you put your heart in everything that you do. 

Love your craft, love the people you are working with including your students . It will help you help the learners achieve their dreams. It will help you to become successful in your chosen field.

Do you consider yourself an Artisan of Hope? How?

Huge percentage of young learners in the Philippines are said to be in the situation of learning poverty. Here in SMSF, many children are struggling to read even if they are already in the higher grade level. This is why, it is important to know their learning styles. To find out which approach in teaching will work best for them. It needs a lot of handwork and patience. It takes creativity. It takes a lot of energy and effort. It can be challenging! But by believing in every child, by not giving up on them and by holding their hands every step of the way so that they will succeed, by staying in this field and continuing this mission to teach young children, yes,  I can consider myself an artisan of hope.