Assessment on Batang Atikha School-Based Program for OFW Children in Mabini District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Implementation of the program carries with it varied effects, reactions, and consequences. From there, strengths and weaknesses, along with opportunities and threats, are determined. Batang Atikha School-Based Program for Children of OFWs was established in Mabini District last April 2010. The program aimed at instilling savings consciousness and disavowing consumerism among children of OFWs. The researcher got interested in conducting a study on the implementation and evaluation of Batang Atikha School-Based Program in Mabini District, Division of Batangas. This research aimed to assess and then improve the implementation of Batang Atikha School-Based Program by proposing an intensified technical assistance plan.

METHODS

The researcher used the qualitative method of research and the Slovin's formula to determine the total number of samples. The study was conducted to 124 randomly selected students from a total of 180 from different schools in Mabini District. A researcher-made questionnaire was used as the main data gathering procedure. For the statistical treatment, the researchers used weighted mean, mean, standard deviation, and ranking.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that the implementation of Batang Atikha School-Based Program’s strengths emanates from the common vision, mission, and goals of the program which guide its constituents towards unity and harmony. The weaknesses in its implementation are offshoots of overlapping programs and activities, insufficient time for teacher coordinators to extend services to the program, and inconsistent level of support from outside organizations and stakeholders. The opportunities stem from its successful ventures, reaching the knowledge and recognition of other organizations from different places and becoming a leeway towards expansion and growth. Meanwhile, the threats and problems result from the spreading of negative issues that destroy the reputation of the program. A technical assistance plan was designed to improve the implementation of Batang Atikha School-Based Program as the final output of this study.

DISCUSSIONS

To strengthen the implementation of Batang Atikha, the teacher coordinators need to spend more time in designing and conducting more innovative activities that will facilitate the internalization of worthwhile moral, social and work values, specifically those of frugality, respect for elders, and consistency in performing varied types of work among children. To minimize its weaknesses, everyone in the organization must develop a sense of commitment which upholds the values of everyone in the organization. To further widen the opportunities, its constituents must set other means of revolutionizing its expansion schemes in other areas beyond the municipality of Mabini. To counter the threats and problems, its constituents must evaluate consistently the veracity of the negative issues that spread and threaten its prestige so that immediate action shall be done. The designed technical assistance plan aimed at improving the implementation of the programs of Batang Atikha should be followed as soon as possible.