RISE - About

About RISE

In 2022, a World Bank report highlighted that nearly 90% of Filipino learners aged 10 struggle with reading comprehension, a finding corroborated by the 2022 PISA results, which ranked the Philippines among the lowest globally in reading proficiency. The pandemic worsened this downward trend in reading scores despite the national government's ongoing initiatives and support from non-government organizations. Project RISE was established to address these challenges, beginning with the adoption of 10 schools in Iligan City. The project focuses on understanding the root causes of reading difficulties in primary schools and the challenges teachers face, as well as developing initiatives to address these issues.

Project RISE seeks to empower grade 1-3 learners in the Iligan City by fostering a reading culture and supporting the government's vision of creating an inclusive society with equitable access to quality education. Aligned with the National Learning Recovery Program, the project leverages multi-stakeholder partnerships, teacher upskilling, material creation, and parental engagement to drive lasting educational transformation. Project RISE aims to enhance teacher competence, create a reading ambassador community, and offer accredited online training by focusing on evidence-driven strategies and continuous research. Ultimately, the project strives to align with higher education institutions (HEIs) goals to contribute to the Philippine education system and the country's broader development goals.

Our Goals

Partnership

At the heart of Project RISE is its commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration. By bringing together the expertise of local schools, parents, universities like KU Leuven and University College Limburg, and civil society organizations, the project ensures that literacy interventions are contextually relevant and responsive to the needs of Filipino learners.

Teacher Upskilling and Support

The project recognizes that teachers are pivotal in shaping students’ success. As such, a core focus of the project is enhancing the competencies of Grades 1-3 teachers. By offering co-creation workshops, capacity-building programs, and action research opportunities, Project RISE is committed to empowering teachers with the skills and tools they need to teach reading effectively, thereby improving student learning outcomes.

Instructional Materials Creation and Distribution

A cornerstone of Project RISE’s success is its focus on creating developmentally appropriate and contextually relevant instructional materials. These materials are designed in collaboration with teachers, leveraging research findings to ensure they align with local learning needs and cultural contexts. By integrating input from various stakeholders— local education authorities, and academic experts—Project RISE ensures that the materials not only meet educational standards but also resonate with the learners and their communities.

Parental Engagement

Parental engagement is one of the cornerstones of Project RISE, recognizing that a child's learning extends beyond the classroom. The project engages parents through workshops, training, and information-sharing activities, empowering them to participate actively in their children's literacy development. By fostering a deeper understanding of reading strategies, learning materials, and the importance of literacy, parents are better equipped to support their children's learning at home and realize the significant role they play in their children's education.

Reading Community

Project RISE envisions a vibrant reading community where educators, parents, students, and local stakeholders work together to nurture a reading culture. This community-based approach will not only increase the reach and effectiveness of reading programs but also ensure that the commitment to literacy is sustained beyond the project's life.

Our Reading Program

Inspiring Reading Excellence through Active Development (IREAD) Program

IREAD is a structured literacy initiative designed to enhance reading skills and foster a love of reading. It promotes active development through interactive activities and strategic support involving teachers, educational leaders, learners, parents, and community members. The program combines personalized literacy support with community-driven initiatives, aiming to improve reading skills and inspire a lifelong passion for reading through innovative, student-centered activities. Read more...