TANAUAN, Leyte – As schools have moved to online platforms and adopted distance learning amid the global health crisis, a village here has opened its computer library to help students without gadgets and poor internet access at home.

The project of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Canramos was set up in June in time for the opening of classes, which was delayed months later due to the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019.

SK chairman Nikko Cesar said the library set up inside the village hall has three computer sets, a printer, and a Wi-Fi router, solely for educational use.

“It was planned and funded even before the pandemic since our community is home to four big schools in town. It is very timely that this was realized in the time that we are adapting to the new normal,” he said in an interview on Friday.

To get free access, students are encouraged to donate plastic bottles that are recycled or sold to purchase additional printer ink and bond papers.

Christopher Laurence Roa, 20, is one of its regular clients since classes started this week.

“I have printed my self-learning modules and been attending my virtual classes in the computer library. I’m sincerely thankful to the youth leaders here for coming up with this project to help students with limited resources to adopt in the new normal,” he said.

The freshman student, taking up Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Management at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Tanauan campus located in Canramos, said that instead of spending on printing and internet, he is able to save money for more important things.

He said this is a big help for her mother, a single parent, who earns a meager income from selling barbeque and doing laundry services to support six children.

“In fact, my mother is thankful and supportive of this project. She and my siblings also collect empty plastic bottles which I donate every time I visit the computer library,” Roa said.

Driven by determination, he said he is willing to pursue education despite the health crisis in order to have a stable job in the future.

“For me, it’s okay to continue education amid the pandemic as long as students are given considerations for delayed submission of school requirements,” he added.

EVSU Tanauan science instructor Mary Ann Balagasay lauded the initiative of the SK council that supports education and at the same time promotes environmental protection.

She said the use of the internet and gadgets are only considered as wants before, but given the current situation, these can be considered as needs especially in education.

“Most of the unprivileged students of our society are greatly challenged with online learning. With this project, we are able to preserve mother nature and help the youth work on their dreams by pursuing education,” Balagasay said.

The computer library is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Canramos SK council strictly implements health protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks, handwashing before entry, and observance of physical distancing.

They are also planning to add more computer sets next year to help more students cope with the challenge of online learning. (PNA)