“One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
Malala Yousafzai

The first five years of a child’s life hold paramount importance in shaping their overall development. In these fundamental years, children require unwavering support and champions who believe in nurturing their dreams and talents.

In the pursuit of providing quality and accessible early childhood care and education to children, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. through the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (RAFI DACF) empowers over 100 child development workers and teachers (CDWs & CDTs) in Argao and Bantayan, Cebu through its capacity building program: DUWA Academy.

Piloting in the municipalities, of Argao and Bantayan in 2022, the 10-module academy is a comprehensive learning program designed to capacitate CDW’s and CDT’s to boost their self-confidence by equipping them with holistic teaching approaches, personal and professional skills development activities. Emphasizing on the transformative potential of incorporating play in the children’s learning process, DUWA Academy lets CDWs, and CDTs understand and integrate the power of play. Through the program, they were introduced to RAFI DACF’s partner institutions, Children’s Paradise Montessori School, and Kidslife Foundation Inc. who had best practices on early childhood care and education.

Maria Francis Sayson Naces, a dedicated Child Development Worker (CDW) in the Municipality of Argao, has experienced a remarkable boost in her expertise and finds more value in the art of nurturing and caring for children. Her newfound self-confidence has deepened her sense of pride in being a child development worker. Despite holding a degree in education, Maria candidly acknowledges that prior to her participation in this program, she lacked the specific training required for her vital role. She expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to enhance her skills through this program.

“Sauna mangi-uwawon gyod ko. Pero karon sa akong pagka child development worker, makigharong na gyod ko ug tao. […] Karon na pag DUWA Academy, [I realized] ang pagkat-on diay, dili ra diha kutob. Kinahanglan ang pagkat-on hangtod sa hangtod. Ang akong nakat-unan sa DUWA dako kaayo siya’g natabang nako kay nahibalo-an nako unsaon pag handle ang mga bata labi na katong mga bata nga naay special needs [for] early intervention,” Maria shares.

Grounded in the principles of the 3C’s framework (character, competence, and citizenship), CDWs and CDTs immersed in a range of activities steered to cultivate their character, enhance their competency through the acquisition and application of effective teaching strategies through play and underscore the importance of citizenship by actively engaging the community in the children’s activities.

This initiative stems from the understanding that the continuing development of CDW’s and CDT’s is essential to providing the best possible educational experiences for young learners. Through the meaningful partnership with both the local government units of Bantayan and Argao, the program has touched 2,493 children in Bantayan and 1,387 children in Argao covering a total of 99 Child development centers.

At the graduation ceremonies held on August 31, 2023, for the Municipality of Bantayan and on September 13, 2023, for the Municipality of Argao, special awards were given to clusters and individuals who had demonstrated outstanding participation, best presentation, and excellence in the exhibit of their projects throughout their time at the academy.

During her speech, Amaya A. Fansler, President and CEO of RAFI, conveys her support to the dedicated child development workers and teachers and acknowledged their vital roles and effort in the enhancement of early childhood education in Cebu.

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“I hope that through the time you spent with us at Duwa Academy, you learned that it is not JUST play. Play is the language through which children learn best. And it is not JUST early childhood- it is the period in a person’s life when their brain and body are developing at an incredible rate and when it is critical to build the foundations of their future development. Therefore, I hope that when you think of yourselves and your work, you never use the word “just” or “ra”. You are not just an early childhood worker. You are providing a healthy, safe, and effective learning environment for young children that will enable them to reach their full potential and participate in their community as productive, happy, and engaged citizens. There is nothing “just” about that,” she expressed.

Our children deserve the best. The success of DUWA Academy only proves that with willingness and determination, we can create ripples of hope and foster a community of champions for children.