From my KCFI family to yours, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with love, laughter and the spirit of givingThis year’s festive season is filled with joy at Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) as we mark our 25th anniversary. This milestone is a time to reflect and celebrate the many children, schools, parents, teachers and communities that were touched by our mission.

Even before the pandemic, our country was already struggling with a record 3.8 million Filipino children leaving school due to learning gaps. The PISA results in 2018 and 2022 recorded that only one in five Filipino students aged 15 reached the minimum proficiency level in reading, mathematics and science. KCFI’s “MathDali” program had similar data finding that although our videos and teacher training improved learning, performance was still not high due to unlearned requisite skills in primary numeracy and literacy.

Addressing this issue, KCFI focused on early years and early grades. We have educational videos like “Kwentong Pambata,” “Kwentoons” and “Musikantahan” for early years and “Wikaharian,” “Ready, Set, Read!” and “MathDali” for early grades which are all designed to foster a positive attitude toward learning while building essential skills in literacy and numeracy. We provide training and mentoring programs like Learning Effectively through Enhanced and Evidence-based Pedagogies or LEEP for reading, math and science and KCare for early childhood workers and other care providers.

I would like to recognize the dedication of the KCFI team, partners and volunteers. This year, we successfully produced and released 59 episodes of our different shows, ranging from shows for early childhood to Grade 6. Knowledge Channel TVs, Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries and technical training programs have been provided to 117 child development centers and basic education schools.

We are honored to present the recognitions our shows have received. “Musikantahan: Bahay Kubo” was recognized as the Most Development-Oriented Musical at the 18th UP COMBROADSOC Gandingan Awards while “MathDali” and “Puno ng Buhay” were commended for their “Exemplary Adherence to Child-Friendly Content Standards” by the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT). Additionally, several of our TV shows (“AgriKids,” “Lakbay Aral,” “MathDali,” “Siklo ng Enerhiya,” “Tropang K!Likasan” and “WOW, Bukidnon!”) and online shows (“MathDali Online,” “Wikaharian Online World,” “Knowledge on the Go” and “Knowledge Channel’s Art Smart”) have been honored with Anak TV Seal awards.

Moreover, KCFI was awarded with Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence or PEACE during Metrobank Foundation’s 45th anniversary, the Outstanding Commitment to Child-Friendly Content Standards award by NCCT, and was recognized as an “Exceptional Partner” by the Department of Education for our support of the basic education development plan at their 2024 Partners’ Appreciation and Recognition program.

This Christmas, as we gather with our loved ones, I invite you to reflect on how we can support and advocate for the best educational opportunities for all children, especially those from marginalized and underserved communities. As we enjoy the season, let us not only celebrate the joy of being together but also recognize the invaluable contributions of parents, teachers and early childhood providers, and thank them for their dedication to shaping the future of our children.

Let’s make a difference this holiday season. I encourage you to donate to KCFI’s programs. Your generosity will help us continue our mission to bring better education to those who need it the most. You can scan the QR code or donate directly to our BPI account at Acct. No. 0201-0409-14. Please send your proof of deposit to info@ knowledgechannel.org for documentation purposes. For more information on how you can be a beacon of hope this Christmas, visit our website at www.knowledgechannel.org. Together, let us shape a brighter tomorrow for every Filipino child and give them the greatest gift they can receive—education.

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon, Kapamilya!

Story by:Rina Lopez