Juan Kapatid (JK) is GBF’s community-based learning recovery program that aims to build on foundational skills in literacy and numeracy of learners through teachers. It is GBF's response to the pressing need to ensure that no Filipino child is left behind and to close the learning gap among our learners. The program was piloted in Simlong Elementary School in Batangas City in partnership with JG Summit Olefins Group, AHA Learning Center, and Huawei.  The goal is to assist schools and teachers in improving reading and numeracy competencies of slow learners in their classrooms. 

JK employs a Teaching-At-The-Right-Level (TARL) approach which also integrates socio-emotional learning and actively mobilizes teachers and parents.  Under JK, “struggling learners” are called “JK Achievers” and are supported through a journey from “kaya kong sumubok,” to “kaya kong maging,” to "kaya kong gawin to “kaya kong magbigay.”

From 57 JK Achievers in one partner school during its pilot year in 2021, JK served 2,286 grades 3 to 6 learners in 2023 through a hundred teachers in 20 public schools in CALABARZON.

In July 2023, “JK Teachers” took part in a five-day intensive fellowship program on transformative and holistic approaches to learning recovery. The JK Teacher Summit was made possible through GBF's partnership with the Department of Education Region 4A CALABARZON and the generous support of Shang Properties, Inc., Kerry Foundation Philippines, and Universal Robina Corporation.

Aside from holding after-school literacy and numeracy remedial classes for the learners, JK Teachers also actively engage the learners' parents in order to ensure a strong support system for them at home.