Reading is said to be the most basic skill a person can have. Every day, we read. You go to the market to buy ingredients for the day’s meal—you’re reading. You walk to the mall, to school, or to work—you’re still reading. You’re on social media, but you’re reading as well.

Reading is the very foundation of a person’s learning—but what happens if a student never learns to read? How can the youth become the hope of the nation if they cannot read?

It’s disheartening that in this age of advanced technology and social media; many young students still cannot read. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines ranks 77th out of 81 countries in both numeracy and reading. This result is truly saddening as it clearly reflects the numerous challenges facing our country’s education system.

What can be done to ensure that all young learners will learn how to read?

One of the ways to ensure that students learn to read is by establishing early intervention and reading programs focused on assessing each learner’s reading level. This includes conducting literacy screening to immediately identify students who need support.

Technology can also be used meaningfully in this endeavor. Educational apps can be developed to assist learners in acquiring reading skills. Audiobooks can be downloaded to support children who do not have access to printed books. Teachers, too, can be equipped with new ICT skills to make reading more interactive and inclusive for their students.

Learning how to read should not be difficult to access for students, especially in this era of rapidly advancing technology. The opportunity to learn to read must be within every child’s reach, for reading is the foundation of our lives and our learning. May everyone—teachers, parents, students, and schools—work together to make the reading experience meaningful and empowering for learners. For the children! For the nation!