On May 6, 2024, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI), through its Library Department, Gunita: A Book Lovers Club, the HCCCI Supreme Student Government (SSG), and Book Nook–HCCCI–Surallah, successfully conducted a heartwarming literacy outreach program at DepEd Tayo Lambontong Elementary School, benefiting children aged 6 to 12 years old. The initiative, dubbed Hibla Lokal Project – TuTuldok: Leaving a Mark One Community at a Time, aimed to inspire young learners to dream, imagine, and create through the transformative power of storytelling, writing, and the arts.

The outreach program celebrated learning and creativity, grounded in the belief that literacy and imagination are essential tools for empowerment and social transformation. HCCCI students and faculty volunteers worked hand in hand to bring stories to life—sharing tales that reflect Filipino values, resilience, and hope. Interactive reading sessions, writing exercises, and art activities were conducted to strengthen the children’s love for learning and to encourage self-expression.

Supported by the National Book Development Board – Philippines (NBDB), HCCCI and Book Nook–Surallah share a vision to nurture a culture of reading, creativity, and cultural pride among the youth of Lambontong. The program utilized NBDB-donated and locally curated books, exposing children to diverse literary voices and Filipino-authored works that celebrate local identity and heritage.

What distinguishes Book Nook–Surallah’s approach to literacy is its community-centered and culturally grounded storytelling. Every activity was designed not only to improve reading comprehension but also to promote appreciation for Filipino traditions and community narratives. Through the generosity of Book Nook–Surallah, the children gained access to free and engaging learning materials, arts supplies, and storybooks—transforming the school into a space of joy, curiosity, and discovery.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations in making education accessible and meaningful. By extending its learning mission beyond the campus, HCCCI demonstrated that education thrives wherever curiosity and compassion meet.

Education for SDGs in the Wider Community

This initiative directly addresses education for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the wider community. By conducting dedicated outreach activities for children in underserved communities, HCCCI extended learning opportunities beyond its campus to include local residents and school-aged children. The program empowers these young learners with knowledge, creativity, and cultural awareness—promoting inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities in line with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Looking ahead, HCCCI continues to support the NBDB’s vision of expanding Book Nook sites across the Philippines, transforming them into creative and literacy hubs that promote community engagement, heritage preservation, and the joy of reading. Through continuous partnership and shared advocacy, HCCCI remains committed to empowering communities through knowledge, creativity, and compassion—leaving a mark, one story and one child at a time.