OVERVIEW
 
Public education in the Philippines faces large-scale shortages of teachers, desks and chairs, textbooks, and audio-video materials. Overcrowded classrooms are common, with class sizes averaging almost 45 students. The education system is hampered by inadequate teacher training programs and a declining per capita expenditure. Drop-out rates in basic education are high, and completion rates low (67%). These problems are particularly acute in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, where there are as many school-age children and youth who are out-of- school as those in school.
 
In response, USAID is training teachers; providing computers, textbooks, and other materials to schools; and building the capacity of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs). By improving the instruction of English, science, and math in Mindanao’s public schools, USAID is increasing access to quality education and livelihood skills in areas most affected by conflict and poverty. USAID also provides out-of-school children and youth the opportunity to improve their literacy and math competencies, and equips them with the vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to return to formal schooling or be employed or self-employed.
 
Teacher Trainings and Learning Materials: USAID partners with the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), DepEd in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the U.S. Peace Corps, the private sector, and civil society to increase the quality of basic education and provide training to educators to improve the teaching of English, science, and math. USAID’s education program is providing more than two million textbooks and other learning materials to elementary school students and out-of-school youth in remote communities. USAID is also introducing computer and Internet education into schools in Mindanao to connect young minds to the wider world.
 
Out-of-School Children and Youth: To reduce instability in conflict-prone areas in Mindanao, USAID is helping tens of thousands of out-of-school youth to return to the formal education system by preparing them to take DepEd’s Accreditation and Equivalency test. Thousands of others have the opportunity to be trained in vocational skills that will enable them to find work or start their own businesses. USAID also supports adult literacy classes in ARMM.
 
Parents and Communities Supporting Education: USAID is encouraging greater participation of parents and communities in the education of their children through a matching grants program for school improvements and capacity-building for PTAs. USAID trains parents and teachers to effectively advocate for additional school resources.
 
Higher Education: USAID supports English language proficiency training to assist selected college and university students in Mindanao to compete effectively for jobs in high-demand sectors. USAID helps improve the effectiveness and utility of English language instruction programs of colleges and universities in Mindanao to help increase their graduates’ employability in industries that require English language proficiency. 

EQuALLS Project
Tel Nos. 8996395 or 8952723