REVOLUTIONIZING REVOLUTIONIZING

By: Hazel Pagao

In September 2022, the DICT Region IV-A, headed by Director Ortega, successfully conducted a back-to-back Digital Literacy Training and Outreach Program for the children of Brgy. 5, Ilaya Del Sur, Paete, Laguna in partnership with the Katoto Project and Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center. During the event, over forty children were taught the fundamentals of using a tablet and how to use the TuxPaint program to create and draw their assignments and other artworks. Following the learning session, the DICT and Katoto unleashed happiness in the area by throwing out parlor games, prizes, and goodie bags for the kids, along with a feeding program. Today, the Kariton Klasrum sessions are attended by more than 50 children every weekend, with a total of 127 children, out-of-school youth, students, and parents from the poorest of the poor communities benefiting from this initiative. Art sessions for Batang Katoto are also conducted using tablets, and 15 students of Kariton ni Katoto are now enrolled in Day-care Centers in Paete; with the Kariton Klasrum giving them special sessions using tablets as devices for visual aids.

It is truly undeniable that Ang Kariton Klasrum ni Katoto Tech4ED Mobile Center has been making a difference in the lives of many children in Paete, Laguna. But as the DICT and Katoto Project stay true to its commitment of bridging the digital gap and serving the people of Paete, more ICT skill trainings are slated for conduct as its clients continue to increase.

The Katoto Mobile Tech4ED Center indeed revolutionized the delivery of education and learning opportunities empowered by Information and Communications Technology which only started from being an ordinary “kariton” to a life-changing channel aimed at bringing the needed shift and brighter future to the youth and coming generations of Paete, Laguna.