Abstract

This phenomenological study aimed to explore the personal experiences of tutors who committed to the “Tara, Basa!” Program at Cebu Normal University (CNU). This program aimed to improve the reading skills of elementary students in Cebu City with the view of addressing the most immediate problem of literacy. By conducting in-depth interviews with 15 selected tutors, thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings of the study-the thoughts and perceptions expressed by tutors on their experiences of tutoring. This study identified two main themes: Chances and Challenges, each with three sub-themes. The chances included personal and professional growth, parental and community support, and program appreciation and motivation. The challenges identified included classroom management and instructional difficulties, attendance and consistency issues, and resource and facility constraints. Tutors revealed strong satisfaction and meaning from their service through volunteering, stressing how much they impacted the reading ability of their learners. The study noted challenges like adapting to different learning needs and balancing academic demands with tutoring responsibilities. In general, the study stressed the essential role that volunteering played in educational programs, particularly highlighting double advantages-improved literacy for learners and good teaching practice for college students. This study recommended further exploration of tutor experiences with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of programs like the "Tara, Basa!" and improving exit education outcomes in similar situations.