You have probably heard of the Save with Stories campaign by now, which was started by Save the Children in the US through its ambassador Jennifer Garner and actress Amy Adams. Garner and Adams provided fun learning activities to children and parents, and raised funds for children who were missing meals due to school closure.
Hollywood celebrities Drew Barrymore, Jude Law, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Evans, and Meghan Markle are just some of the famous names who also read stories. Now, Save With Stories is a global movement with more than 270,000 followers and 27 million views on social media.
The campaign inspired over 30,000 people to donate and help feed and educate children during the coronavirus crisis. It was launched in countries where Save the Children is present, such as the United Kingdom, India, and now, the Philippines.
Here in the Philippines, Save the Children Philippines is launching these storytelling sessions with local celebrities who aim to raise awareness on the importance of continued education through alternative learning methods online, on TV, and on mobile platforms.
Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, points out that learning is critically important for children, especially during the pandemic. It provides normalcy, routine, and addresses fear and anxiety due to prolonged school closure.
“Every child has a right to education, but thousands of children in underserved communities will miss out on learning because of the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Muyot.
Save the Children staff reading a story to children staying in an evacuation center in Sorsogon during a humanitarian response for families affected by Typhoon Kammuri last December 2019. Photo by Lei Tapang/Save the Children
Save the Children Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez and Xia Vigor will be leading the storytelling sessions, helping parents and caregivers instill the love of reading among their children. Actress Ria Atayde will also join the storytelling series which will raise funds for Project ARAL (Access to Resources for Alternative Learning) to benefit low income and marginalized families in the Philippines. Project ARAL gives children access to quality learning and holistic development experiences with their families at home. It also seeks to support parents and guardians to provide their pre-school children with early learning experiences.
“We thank all of the celebrities who are using their voices to amplify our calls, and to everyone who are continuously supporting Save with Stories Philippines and are helping children and their families to have a chance for a better future,” Muyot adds.
Which Filipino celebrity would you like to see host a storytelling session?
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