9/10 children cannot read - we will teach them!

Since reopening Kids Club last year, our small learning space in Burgos has slowly grown into a place where children can build confidence with reading.

Across the Philippines, literacy remains a major challenge. Studies show that many children struggle to read at their expected level by the age of ten. While teachers in the public school system work incredibly hard, large class sizes and limited resources make it difficult to give each child the individual support they sometimes need.

That is where Kids Club can help.

A Calm Place to Practice Reading
Every weekday, around 20-30 different children attend literacy tutoring sessions at Kids Club. These sessions focus on helping children practice reading at their own pace. Some come daily, others once or twice per week. In total we ave around 500 registered children knowing their way to Kids Club.

Instead of feeling pressure or embarrassment about falling behind, the children learn in a relaxed and supportive environment. We use colorful and engaging books in both Filipino and English to help them build confidence with letters, words, and stories.

For many students, simply having the time to sit with a book and practice quietly makes a big difference.

Our Mini Library
One of the most loved features of Kids Club is our mini library.

Children are encouraged to borrow books and bring them home so they can read them again and again. When they feel ready, they return the book and choose a new one.

For some of the children, this is the first time they have ever had regular access to books outside of school. Watching them carefully select their next story has become one of our favorite moments each day.

Storytelling Saturdays
Reading also comes alive during Fun Club on Saturdays, when around 50 children gather for games, activities, and storytelling.

Storytime has quickly become one of the most popular parts of the day. Children sit together, listening closely as stories are read aloud. For many of them, these moments spark curiosity and imagination — the first steps toward wanting to read on their own.

Supporting the Work of Schools
Kids Club is not meant to replace the public school system. Instead, it works alongside it.

Teachers in local schools often manage large classrooms and do their best to help every student succeed. Our program offers additional time and space where children can practice reading without pressure.

With consistent support, we see gradual progress. Children begin recognizing more letters, sounding out words more confidently, and gaining the patience needed to keep learning.

The progress may be slow, but every step forward matters.

Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we hope to expand our small library and add more colorful books that children can borrow and enjoy.

We also plan to continue growing our storytelling sessions and reading activities during Fun Club so even more children can experience the joy of books.

Your support helps keep this learning space open — giving children the time, encouragement, and tools they need to become confident readers.

Thank you for helping us nurture the next generation of learners on Siargao Island.

With gratitude,
Sanne
Founder, Nature Kids of Siargao

Links:

• Our official Facebook page