Development and Usability of Alternative Learning System (ALS) Building for Learning of Out of School Youth Community Individuals of Maitum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Every Filipino has the right to basic education. But many Filipinos fail to avail of it, for various reasons. The program provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction, encompassing both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. Alternative Learning System implements three major programs namely: 1) Basic Literacy Program, 2) Continuing Education Program and 3) the Sustainability & Lifelong Program.

This study aims to develop and determine the usability of the Alternative Learning System Building with computer facilities for various unschooled individuals of the municipality of Maitum.

METHODS

The gathering procedure used by the researcher was as follows: asked permission from the District Head to conduct study, got the number of Out of School Youth in every barangay through the mapping data in Municipal Planning & Development Office, identified the number of Out of School Youth in every barangay, and to find out the interest of Out of School Youth's going back to school, a survey was conducted through a survey questionnaire whether the respondents are interested or not.

RESULTS

After having seen the needs of the Out of School Children, Youth & Adults and some illiterates who were found out to be interested in going back to school, it has been found out that there should be a learning center for them which will serve as the area where they could display their latent potentialities. There must be enough space and the area should be conducive for learning. There shall be computer facilities and internet connection so that learning will be more likely to happen especially that we are now in the computer age.

DISCUSSIONS

Looking at the census in general, there is a number of illiterates and unschooled children. There is really a need to help the people of Maitum to be freed from ignorance. Most of them are living in far-flung areas. The Education for All (EFA) advocacy of the Department of Education is just but very appropriate in response to this vital need of every unschooled and drop out the individual in certain households in barangays. As a response, the District Alternative Learning System Coordinator of Department of Education Maitum has linked to different National Government Offices and Government Offices to put up Alternative Learning System Building with certain computer units for the learning of these individuals that would most likely to be of help to them as they conquer unawareness and poverty.