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EDUCATION
Access to Quality Education and Livelihood Increased
BACKGROUND
Once one of the best in all of Asia, the education system of the Philippines has deteriorated significantly in recent years, both in terms of quality and access. The fundamental causes of this decline are slow economic growth, inadequate government revenues and rapid population growth. Corruption and flawed management exacerbate the problem. These factors contribute to poor quality teacher training, shortage of teachers, overcrowded and under-equipped classrooms, increasing drop-out rates and insufficient access to education for the poor.
PROGRAMS
Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS) Project
Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program (GEM-2), Education Initiatives
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Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC)
Education Awareness Support Effort and Matching Grants Program (EASE-MGP)
These problems are particularly acute in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, especially in the ARMM. About 21% of the barangays in the ARMM are without schools. Because of a major shortage of teachers, student-teacher ratios in the ARMM are 80-100 to 1. Though 93 % of the school-aged-population enrolls in grade one, 60% of the students drop out before they complete elementary school. These factors along with the conflict and lack of job-creating investment in the ARMM have contributed to high unemployment in the region. More boys drop out than girls, and there is widespread concern that, in the absence of employment, they may be recruited by criminal elements and secessionist groups.
To help address the challenges in the Philippine education sector and to reduce the perpetuation of conflict by addressing the social, economic and political marginalization of disadvantaged groups in conflict-prone areas, most notably Mindanao, USAID/Philippines developed an Education Strategic Objective (SO11) as part of its FY 2005-2009 strategy. Its overall aim is increased access to quality education and livelihood skills in selected areas, particularly those most affected by conflict and poverty.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chief Officer:
Thomas P. Crehan
Address:
Office of Education
U.S. Agency for International Development
Philippines Mission
P.O. Box EA 423
1000, Ermita, Manila
Philippines
(632) 552-9800; 552-9900
Telephone: (632) 552-9879
Fax: (632) 552-9999 / 551-9297
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