Manila, Philippines— Andrew Fualuga, 5 years old, was diagnosed with autism. At this age, he already expressed keen interest in drawing pictures while using his favorite pens and crayons. He is most attentive when his mother brings out storybooks and reads aloud fairy tales about dragons, knights in armor, and talking animals. Although Andrew is growing up well, his parents still worry about his ability to fully communicate with his teacher, his classmates, and even with his own family.

It was at the National University of Samoa in Hawaii where Andrew first encountered the Easy English PSL. This portable educational toy is an MP4 player that is fully loaded, with a replaceable SD card which contains illustrated and voice-narrated educational materials. Through the Easy English PSL, Andrew had full access to learning materials such as Aesop’s fables, Children’s Garden of Verses, Teaching Manners, Mother Goose’s Fairy Tales and Vocabulary words.

This product is a pet project of Juan Jose Reyes of American Institutes for Learning in Hawaii. As a Filipino-American education entrepreneur, he was concerned with the state of the educational system in the Philippines and has decided to bring the educational and technological advancements he obtained abroad to his home country. 

On September 12, 2008, the Easy English PSL was formally introduced to the Philippines during the 29th Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The event was participated by educators, businessmen, interested parents and members of the Philippine press.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Reyes, he explained: “In Hawaii, the State’s main concern is for every child to achieve a proficiency that is at par with the country’s academic standard.”

“Many Filipino children are burdened with big responsibilities at a very young age. Instead of going to school, they are forced by poverty to roam the streets to sell flowers, candies or to sometimes even beg. Some unlucky ones are even forced to become child prostitutes. Education is the only way to overcome the continuing cycle of poverty.”

American Institutes for Learning is composed of a group of university educators experienced in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade curriculum research and development, information technology specialists, and members of the local business community. Their studies have shown that English proficiency requires constant reinforcement through listening, reading, speaking, and writing even when the child is outside the classroom.

“What is great about the Easy English PSL is that the child can bring it anywhere he goes. He can use it at home, while inside the car, or maybe even at the park.”

“The content is very versatile, and the child can use it at his own pace. It can also be used by adults who want to learn English because the content can reach and connect with people of all ages, in addition to the fact that it is very informative and entertaining.”

The global market today uses English language used for communication, tourism, trade, commerce and cultural exchange. Three-quarters of the world’s mail and four-fifths of electronic information is stored in English. In the Philippines, the country has an edge over neighboring nations when it comes to marketing its Overseas Filipino Workers and entertaining Business Process Outsourcing companies due to its wide pool of young, vibrant, and English proficient workforce.

“Poverty should not be a hindrance for children to learn English and have access to quality education and technology.  If the kids can’t go to libraries or their parents cannot afford good books, we must do our part to bring these educational tools to them,” said Mr. Reyes.  “It is our duty to provide equal educational opportunities for all.”

For inquiries, please call Reverie Communications at 7255132/7231242 or its Direct Marketing partner, A-Z Marketing at 747-9250.