Compassion in Education: The CCDC Ayowan Program Ensures No Learner is Left Behind

In a more intensified effort to provide a holistic education and support for its students, the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) launched Project Ayowan on 26 April, 2023 at the university gym.

A Kankana-ey term, “ayowan” means “care.” This project is intended to provide care or assistance to students depending on their vulnerabilities which may range from academic to emotional and mental challenges. 

Aligned with the college’s dedication to the United Nation’s SDG 1-No Poverty and 4-Quality Education, Project Ayowan intends to provide mentors for students and assure them that they have someone to run to if faced with difficulties. Mentors are pooled volunteers from teaching and non-teaching personnel of CCDC. For sessions that may tackle more sensitive issues, licensed counselors will be engaged.

Specific services includes reading and comprehension tutorial, Math tutorial, academic counseling services, talk therapy sessions, facilitated guardian/parent and student sessions, guardian/parent academic information services, and other forms of services that support the intent of this program such as monitoring and follow-up services, spiritual support, and the like.

To ensure a secure place and provide privacy, facilities were identified to conduct individual or group sessions depending on need.

Immediately after launch, 15 volunteer mentors enlisted and six months after, a total of 524 students availed of Ayowan services. Academic counseling services and talk therapy sessions were the most in-demand.

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