A collaboration in breaking gender bias in a male-dominated Tech industry

In 2021, when most schools were still conducting their classes online due to the pandemic, JA Philippines collaborated with the Youth Pillar of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing, and Design (WiSTEM2D) of Johnson & Johnson Philippines to create a new learning platform called EduComics, which aimed to showcase the beauty of science to students interested in STEM2D fields.

EduComics is a four-episode series that provides students with the opportunity to explore and understand diverse topics, including, but not limited to, Ecosystems of the World, Forces & Energy, Systems of the Body, and Mixtures. This is done through unique illustrations and fun-filled graphics, making learning an enjoyable experience, and helping expand students’ reading proficiency and problem-solving skillsets.

The program reached 13,000 Grade 6 female students nationwide through JA Philippines’ collaboration with 11 different Department of Education divisions. The primary way for students to access EduComics was through CrossKnowledge, JA Worldwide’s learning management system, and AudioComics, audio-based instructions through radio. In addition, JA Philippines converted a jeepney to become a mobile EduComics Caravan vehicle to reach far-flung areas and give more kids access to the materials.

“From here, JA Philippines, its partners and its stakeholders will only strive to provide better and innovative solutions to our educational gaps, and continuously improve ourselves so that we can continue efficiently and effectively advocating for youth empowerment for the years to come,” put forward by JA Philippines’ Executive Director, Mr. Krishna C. Alejandrino.

During the relaunch on November 12, 2022, it was announced that the program aims to reach 18,000 Grade 6 female students in more areas in the country through partnerships with additional Department of Education Division of city schools—Negros Occidental, Muntinlupa, Cabanatuan, Albay, Camarines Sure, and Liago. A new implementation method is also being introduced: printed materials.

“STEM2D has always been and will continue to be, integral to Johnson & Johnson. We wake up every day inspired to empower women and girls in STEM2D, so they have limitless opportunities to change the trajectory of health for humanity. This is our WiSTEM2D Vision,” emphasized Mercy “Yeyet” Soriano, J&J Philippines WiSTEM2D Youth Pillar champion.

With this vision in mind, this continued collaboration of JA Philippines and Johnson & Johnson Philippines’ WiSTEM2D Youth Pillar strives to become a force in discovering the students’ potential – specifically the female students – in using technology for social good and becoming a new generation of Filipino changemakers entering the world of science and technology with a purpose and the power to excel.

To learn more about Educomics, please visit the JA Philippines Website at www. https://www.japhilippines.org/ or you may contact them through coordinator2@japionline.org.