Advisers

Ms. Dympna M. Gatpandan

Discipline

Social sciences

Abstract

Community-based educational outreach programs support children in underserved communities and help form socially responsible student volunteers. However, many barangay-level school initiatives lack formal evaluation. This study addresses this gap by assessing the Unang Hakbang Initiative of the Center for Community Services of St. Mary's College, Inc., Quezon City, which provides educational and developmental activities for children in Barangay Paligsahan. The study examines the program's effectiveness, volunteer-beneficiary engagement, and contributions to child development and student formation. A quantitative design using purposive sampling is employed. Surveys are administered to 15 parents or guardians of the child beneficiaries, and secondary data are obtained from previously conducted student volunteer evaluations over the past three years. A 4-point Likert scale measures parents' perceptions of their children's learning, behavior, social interaction, and development after participating in the Unang Hakbang program. A 5-point Likert scale assesses student volunteers' evaluation of activity planning, clarity of objectives, implementation, and interaction. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, are used. Ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, are observed. Findings showed that the Unang Hakbang Initiative was highly effective. Parent responses yielded an overall mean of 3.74 (Strongly Agree), indicating positive changes in children's learning interest, confidence, values formation, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Parents also reported that children enjoyed the program, looked forward to sessions, and applied what they learned. Student volunteer evaluations produced an overall mean of 4.73 (Outstanding), reflecting strong satisfaction with planning, objectives, topic relevance, implementation, and time management. The results indicated that the Unang Hakbang Initiative effectively addressed children's developmental and educational needs while supporting student volunteer formation. High ratings from both parents and volunteers highlighted the strengths of structured activities and meaningful engagement. Parents suggested adding more literacy-focused activities and learning materials. Overall, the initiative served as an effective model for school-led community outreach programs that promoted child development and student formation.

Keywords

unang hakbang initiative, community outreach program, child development, program effectiveness, student volunteer engagement