Youngest IAT scholar from Tabuk to join SLP finds purpose in teaching children in remote Kalinga communities

FEATURE

‎Tabuk City — At just 15 years old, Charlene Aggayaban is already proving that scholarship programs offer more than financial assistance after taking on the role of a volunteer student-teacher through the International Association for Transformation, Inc. (IAT) Summer Literacy Program (SLP) in remote communities across Kalinga.

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‎Charlene, an incoming Grade 11 student at Kalinga National High School and a resident of Naneng, Tabuk City, is the youngest scholar of International Association for Transformation, Inc. (IAT) to join this year's SLP, a Canadian non-government organization based in Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, that supports education and community development in Kalinga and Mountain Province.

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‎She was among the 19 scholars deployed to remote barangays in Kalinga through the annual SLP, where volunteer student-teachers taught children basic literacy and numeracy skills during the school break.

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‎The program aims to improve learners’ reading, writing, comprehension, and basic mathematics skills while also exposing scholars to community service and leadership experiences.

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‎According to Charlene in an interview, the experience allowed her to better understand the culture, traditions, and realities faced by communities in far-flung areas.

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‎Despite being the youngest among the student-teachers, Charlene said she was able to adapt well and coordinate effectively with her fellow volunteers, most of whom were older than her.

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‎She admitted, however, that teaching children was not easy and that the experience made her realize she still struggled with speaking in front of others.

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‎“...awan met kitdi problema about my co-scholars kase kayak nga maki-ala kinyada. As the youngest, mas narigatan ak diay part nga panagisuro ti ubbing en—narigat ag-unawa ti ubbing gayam and also, na-realize ko from the SLP experience nga uray ubbing dagiti kasangok ket marigatan nak latta nga agsao idiay sango,” she shared.

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‎Still, the experience helped her gradually become more confident in handling learners and more comfortable speaking and interacting with others during the program.

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‎In addition, the young scholar shared that after nearly a decade with the IAT since Grade 1, she has become more responsible, disciplined, and confident through its outreach programs, emphasizing that the scholarship goes beyond financial support.

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‎“Being a scholar here is not only about financial support for your studies, but it also gives you opportunities to grow as a person. You will gain valuable experiences through different activities and programs. IAT can help you become better prepared for your future while also helping you achieve your goals,” she said.

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‎Aside from school-related assistance and allowances, Charlene said the organization also provides scholars with workshops, mentorship activities, dormitory accommodation, and other learning resources that help them focus on their studies and personal development.

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‎Beyond her young age, Charlene’s experiences as a scholar and volunteer student-teacher reflect her growing sense of responsibility and confidence in teaching and community work.

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‎She also encouraged fellow youth to embrace opportunities that help them grow, saying that experiences — whether easy or challenging — help shape individuals into stronger and better people.