JAAF Supports OSYs in Time of Covid-19 Pandemic
The Araneta Group, through its social development arm, J. Amado Araneta Foundation, contributed 12 ALSware packages to assist remote community learning communities. This project is in collaboration with UNICEF Philippines’ COVID-19 Pandemic response.
The ALSware is a set of resource materials curated specifically for use by ALS learners and teachers which will facilitate the effective delivery of ALS 2.0 or ALS learning program in the new normal. It was developed with the goal of strengthening the program by providing increased access to learning modules, tools, and other relevant resources that ALS teachers need to effectively facilitate their lesson delivery, particularly the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program for Junior High School Level.
The contents of the ALSware are curated to support the implementation of the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) for Junior High School Level program, categorized into the following items:
1. Learning modules in both print and non-print formats.
2. Instructional tools and equipment that can be used to support science, math, and information technology lesson delivery, among others.
3. Supplementary and advocacy materials, also in print and non-print formats. The advocacy materials promote proper sanitation and hygiene, as well as risk communication, to help curb the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Consumable materials to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 virus and support the daily functions of ALS teachers.
The ALSware was piloted in 30 ALS Community Learning Centers (CLCs) from remote and disadvantaged communities in Samar, Western Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Angeles City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City. The ALSware packages were officially turned over to DepEd and the participating ALS CLCs.
Based on 2017 Philippine Statistics Authority data, 9 percent or 3.53 million of the estimated 39.2 Filipinos aged 6 to 24 years old were considered OSYs. This figure is seen to breech 4M due to the looming effects of the ongoing Pandemic. At the same time, only about 200,000 learners are currently enrolled in the ALS program, a significant drop from more than 700,000 enrollees pre-pandemic.
The Araneta Group through JAAF has entered a collaboration with UNICEF Philippines in improving the 21st Century skills for disadvantaged adolescents (out-of-school youth) in the Philippines. It aims to improve the Alternative Learning System for the Out-of-School Youth (OSYs) in the Philippines by generating evidence, formulating improved curriculum and learning approaches with DepEd, and capacity-building exercises.
This November, JAAF joins the Philippine Celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM). This is aimed to recognize children as the nation’s most valuable assets and emphasize the importance of their role within the Filipino family and the Philippine society, by virtue of Republic Act No. 10661. The Foundation supports child-friendly programs on reading and literacy. At its art and culture museum, Gateway Gallery, a Liwanag Reading Corner is dedicated for it. JAAF also supports scholarships and other programs aimed for children and the youth in the themes of education, culture and the arts and community development.
J. Amado Araneta Foundation was founded in honor of the company’s visionary founder. Don Amado believed that every Filipino deserves a good life, and always wanted to offer the best for the greatest number. Its programs focus on education, culture, arts and sports development, community development/health and religious/spiritual enrichment.
To know more about JAAF, please visit this link. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
