Teacher Who Repeated Grade 1 Now Helps Kids Learn To Read

When parents think of their child’s future success, they often think it has something to do with high IQ and excellent academic performance. But as many studies and experts have said, having good grades is not the only way a child will excel in life.

This is the kind of mindset that Jimuel Diva, a public school teacher from Bayugan National Comprehensive High School in the Caraga region, wants to impart to his students. In 2016, he founded READshirts Advocacy, a community-based tutoring group that aims to help children who have difficulties in reading and comprehension.

In an interview with Summit Original Videos, Jimuel shares that he was motivated to put up the advocacy group because of his personal experience — as a child, he had to repeat Grade 1 because he did not know how to read. Luckily, he was able to receive help from a friend.

“Meron akong kaibigan, every afternoon, tinuturuan niya akong magbasa,” he shares.

Jimuel never forgot this act of kindness. After becoming a teacher, he thought he could pay it forward by helping young learners to find their passion for books and reading.

“Sa teaching, we are more [concerned] with how to read a certain word. We tend to forget the ‘What’ and ‘Why.’ ‘What motivates them to read’ saka ‘Why they need to read,” Jimuel says.

“Every time na nakikita ko ‘yung mga bata na nahihirapan magbasa, naaalala ko ‘yung sarili ko noon. Gusto ko na ‘di na ‘yun mangyari pa [sa iba],” he adds.

Through his experiences and through READshirts, he wants to inspire children and help them realize that even if they are facing learning difficulties now, it doesn’t mean all is lost. They can still succeed in life and pursue their dreams — they just need to work hard and learn how to accept help from others.

“Huwag maging reluctant, huwag dapat mahiya sa mga bagay na gustong itulong sa’yo. That will help you in the future so you can become whoever you want to be,” he says.

Watch Teacher Jimuel’s heartwarming video below and find out how you can help the #HeroTeacher campaign and support his initiative. You can nominate your #HeroTeacher too!

How to help a #HeroTeacher

Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) teams up with Smart Parenting to shine a spotlight on teachers who go the extra mile. For every teacher featured in Smart Parenting #eskwela2020 video series, GBF pledges P15,000 donation in kind.

You can also nominate a #HeroTeacher! Just go to this link and fill out the form:
https://bit.ly/NominateAHeroTeacher

A small amount can mean printer ink, a ream of bond paper, learning modules, and school supplies for our teachers and their young learners. Any donated amount will be pooled together by GBF and divided among our hero teachers.

You may send your donations through the following channels:

Direct bank deposits and transfers

Bank: Robinsons Bank – Galleria Branch
Account name: Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.
Account number: 100230002819

Wire transfers via swift

Account name: Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc.
Account number: 100230002819
Address: Litton Mills Compound, Amang Rodriguez Avenue, Rosario, Pasig City 1609
Swift code: ROBPPHMQXXX
Beneficiary bank: Robinsons Bank Corporation
Bank address: Main Office Branch, G/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., Quezon City
Correspondent bank for USD: Citibank NY (CITIUS33) or Deutsche Bank NY (BKTRUS33)
Correspondent bank for EUR: Deutsche Bank Frankfurt (DEUTDEFFXXX)

Want to raise a reader? Click here for expert tips.

What other parents are reading

Reading With Your Child Reduces 'Harsh Parenting,' Study Finds

Want To Boost Your Tot's Reading Comprehension? Read Aloud To Him Every Day

Foster A Love For Reading In Your Child! 3 Activities To Help You Raise A Lifelong Reader

Want To Raise A Reader? Make Sure Kids See Dad Reading Books, Says Expert