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  A crowd of promising kids from four local municipalities filled the Arrupe Convention Hall last 10 November 2009. Bags colored in blue and gold were placed at the sides, detailing a charming picture only found in elementary schools.
The University Social Involvement Council recently celebrated the success and Moving Up Ceremony of the Empowerment Through Literacy for Forty (40), a special outreach in partnership with the Parish of St. Joseph in Rankweil, Austria. This year-long endeavor aimed to develop the reading skills of children from four local municipalities, namely Buhi, Cabusao, Calabanga, and Sagnay, each having ten (10) participants.
 The Moving Up ceremony signified the growing partnership between the Ateneo de Naga University and the four municipalities. At the start of the program, Atty. Mila Raquid-Arroyo, Chairperson of USIC, expressed her great gratitude to the participating municipalities, coordinators, volunteer teachers, and of course, the students who made the project possible. She also digressed on the origin of the project, sharing that this was actually a part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Parish of St. Joseph.
 Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J., University President, gave an inspiring speech to the children. He cited an early experience regarding his trip to a foreign country and how he felt lost by the unfamiliar language. He told the students the importance of reading: for them to find the right direction, to choose the right people, and to ultimately find the truth.
After the distribution of certificates, the students provided some creative output. Two interpretative dance numbers, "Masdan Mo Ang Mga Bata" and "Anak," provided a glimpse of their current social and economic situation, with their choreography reflecting their hardships in society.
 Of course, the ceremony wouldn't be complete without the students showing what they had learned. A cluster of kids gave a group reading of "Edukasyon Para sa Lahat." An impromptu reading was also held where two adults would flash some cards to the students for them to read orally.
After the distribution and presentation, representatives from the four municipalities gave their responses, most of which are positive and hopeful. Aside from the meaningful expression of thanks, the representatives and parents also hoped for further collaboration with the University.
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