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City supports DepEd’s Alternative Learning System
Date:
October 26, 2009
One of the brightest hopes for the out-of-school youths (OSYs) and even marginalized citizens to improve their quality of life and take part in efforts to build a better nation is being fully supported by the city government.
Already known for his major role in shaping the minds of young Alaminians through his “Bright Child Program”, Mayor Hernani A. Braganza has recently vowed to continue helping DepEd-Alaminos in educating the school leavers under the DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS)
Aleta C. Begonia, OIC-Education Supervisor for Alternative Learning System (ALS) recently disclosed that the city government has collaborated with the city division for the smooth implementation of ALS in the city.
ALS is a program designed to bring OSYs back to the learning path with the help of non-government organizations (NGOs).
But on the case of Alaminos, the city government is extending its full share in providing quality education to the OSYs.
ALS has two major programs namely the Basic Literacy Program (BLP) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A & E) Program.
These two flagship initiatives were said to be vital components of alternative education that could respond to the learning needs of the target beneficiaries which are geared towards the mission/vision of Education of All (EFA) 2015.
BLP provides basic literacy course to the marginalized citizens who failed to avail of the free elementary and high school education.
Students who have successfully completed 800 hours or 10-month program could soon enroll in a formal education or continue their studies in ALS A & E Program.
On the other hand, ALS-A&E System is an alternative means of certification of learning to those persons aged 15 years old and above, who are unable to avail of the formal school system, or who have dropped out of formal elementary or secondary education.
The program envisions the development of a society where people continue to learn on their own throughout their lives so that they can improve their quality of life and participate in national development efforts.
Begonia said, as its counterpart to the program, the city government will provide all the computers which are already hooked-up to the internet.
As a start, the city will be giving 10-hour free basic computer skills training and hands-on experience with computers for the city’s learners at the Alaminos Recovery Center located in Brgy. Cayucay here.
The city will also hire additional computer teachers who will conduct the Information Communication Technology (ICT) orientation and computer literacy classes.
Alaminos government has spearheaded in 2005 its computer literacy program for the high school graduates and college undergrads and out-of-school youths.
These are the students who can no longer afford to continue their studies but are very determined and committed to earn their diploma and have a decent job.
Most of the graduates of said program are now working in the city government, in some computer companies in Metro Manila and were even hired abroad.
Through the city’s Special Education Fund, all of the public high schools are now connected to the internet, the first in Northern Luzon.
Majority of the elementary schools are also enjoying internet access and are now doing on-line research and hands-on activities to further enhance their learning.
Braganza once said that as far as education is concerned “no one must be left behind”.
He cited that every Filipino youth or citizen has a right to quality education and as the father of the city, he is doing his best to provide young Alaminians a better future they deserve.
“We all know that education is a continuous learning process and more importantly it must apply to including all our out-school youths and even the senior citizens,” he said.
“Our OSYs must continue their studies to acquire the needed skills, knowledge which will be their passport in landing on decent jobs.”
With Mayor Braganza at helm, the city government continues to invest on the future of the city’s new breed of leaders and responsible citizens. (CIO)
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