The institute was founded in 1958 by Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, the foundress of the Oblate Sisters of the Holy Spirit. She envisioned a school that would provide quality education to young girls from low-income families and orphans. In pursuit of this vision, she purchased a piece of land in Quezon City and established the Santa Zita Institute.
The school started with a small population of around 50 students, but it eventually grew to accommodate over 1,000 young girls and women. It offers courses in pre-school, elementary, high school, and college levels. The students are not only given academic education, but they are also taught values education and are guided in spiritual formation.
The Santa Zita Institute follows the educational philosophy of the Oblate Sisters of the Holy Spirit, which centers on the belief that education should be holistic. The education provided by the institute is not limited to academic knowledge, but also encompasses emotional and spiritual growth, the development of practical skills, and a deepening of social awareness.
To this end, the institute has a well-rounded curriculum that includes subjects like ethics, social responsibility, and religious education. It also offers extracurricular activities and community service projects, which expose the students to different experiences and help them develop essential life skills.
One remarkable aspect of the institute is its focus on empowering girls and women. The Oblate Sisters of the Holy Spirit recognize that in many societies, women are marginalized and face discrimination. They believe that education is an important tool for women’s empowerment it enables them to be independent and self-sufficient.
Thus, the institute puts a special emphasis on educating young girls and women, providing them with opportunities to develop their talents and skills. The curriculum is designed to empower girls and women to be agents of social transformation, and to actively participate in building a just and peaceful society.
Moreover, the institute ensures that the education it provides is accessible to girls and women from all walks of life. Although it has a tuition fee, the institute has scholarship programs and financial aid to support students who come from families with limited resources.
The Santa Zita Institute also values the importance of family and community involvement in education. It encourages parents and guardians to participate in school activities, and it collaborates with the local government and non-governmental organizations to extend its services to the wider community.
As a result of its commitment to providing quality education and empowering girls and women, the Santa Zita Institute has produced many graduates who have excelled in various fields. These graduates are living proof of the positive impact of education on the lives of young girls and women.
In conclusion, the Santa Zita Institute of the Oblate Sisters of the Holy Spirit is a Catholic educational institution with a noble purpose. It aims to empower young girls and women through education, to promote Christian morality and values, and to build a just and peaceful society. Its commitment to holistic education, social responsibility, and women’s empowerment make it an exemplary institution that deserves recognition and support.