Teach for the Philippines (TFP) believes that sustainable, community-driven change in education is most powerful when led by those within the community. Through its Community Engagement (COMET) projects, TFP empowers communities by collaborating closely with local stakeholders to create impactful, lasting solutions tailored to their unique needs. COMET projects serve as capstone initiatives for TFP Teacher Fellows, allowing them to address specific educational challenges with and for their placement communities, drawing on insights gained through TFP’s Transformational Leadership Curriculum©.
At the heart of COMET is a commitment to work alongside communities in a respectful, asset-based approach. Teacher Fellows spend their first year conducting a thorough needs assessment, listening carefully to students, parents, teachers, and local leaders to understand the strengths and specific needs of each community. The second year is dedicated to implementing collaborative solutions, with the goal of building capacity within the community to sustain these changes long after the Fellows have moved on.
One parent volunteer from Mambagaton Elementary School in Negros Occidental expressed her appreciation, saying, “The training really helped us understand that each of us has a role and who to go to for support. We are also happy that the kids now have a beautiful library to enjoy. As a parent, we can rest assured that they are safe and are doing productive things at school, especially during their breaks.” This testimonial highlights the heart of Project Tingub, the COMET initiative led by the Mambagaton Teacher Fellows, which transformed the school’s Learning Resource Center into a welcoming and functional space for students. By involving parents and other community members in the library project, the initiative not only provided a resource-rich environment but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility and pride.
Collaborative Solutions in Action
Each COMET project reflects a tailored response to specific community challenges. For instance, Project SUSI by the Teacher Fellows of Cauayan East Central School in Isabela established a dedicated learning hub equipped with essential literacy resources and structured learning spaces, providing over 500 students with tools for focused learning. Teacher Fellows and community members co-designed the project with a clear sense of roles and responsibilities. “The training really helped us understand that each of us has a role,” a local parent volunteer explained, underscoring how such initiatives foster accountability and collective ownership.
Another example is Project SIDLAK Gabay by the Teacher Fellows of Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Memorial Elementary School in Negros, Occidental. This COMET focused on improving both literacy and socio-emotional skills by creating a network of community members, teachers, and parent volunteers who support students’ holistic development. In the words of one participating parent, “SIDLAK Gabay gave me strength and perseverance to teach and love my children, even though I’m raising them on my own.” This partnership-driven project empowered parents like her to become champions for their children’s growth, helping create a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Positive Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
Generous seed funding from Wells Fargo covered about 30% of the costs for all six COMET projects for S.Y. 2023-2024, enabling Teacher Fellows to raise over Php 1 million to address critical educational and socio-emotional needs. Each project exemplifies the powerful synergy created when communities, Teacher Fellows, and supporters unite to drive lasting change. Through partnerships and the active involvement of community members, COMET projects have impacted more than 5,500 students across six public school communities this year alone.
Building Skills for Long-Term Impact
COMET projects also allow Teacher Fellows to apply the skills they’ve gained through TFP’s leadership curriculum, including project management, community engagement, and fundraising. For the Fellows, these projects serve as both a culmination of their training and a springboard for continued advocacy in education. By working closely with community members and learning firsthand about the power of collaborative action, Teacher Fellows leave their placements with the experience and insights needed to lead community-centered initiatives long after their Fellowship ends.
Join the Journey Towards Sustainable Educational Change
TFP’s COMET approach is transforming public school communities across the Philippines. Those interested in supporting or replicating these impactful projects may reach out to TFP’s Development Team at development.team@teachforthephilippines.org. Through sustained partnerships, we can bring the benefits of COMET projects to more schools, empowering communities to drive educational success for generations to come.