P-Noy education reform agenda receives commitment of support

MANILA, Philippines - Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) reiterated its commitment to the Aquino government’s education reform agenda in a dialogue in New York City. In a commitment letter presented to President Aquino during a dialogue with various international interest groups and civil society organizations in New York City, KCFI outlined its 4-Point Initiative for Education, which it is offering to the Philippine government as a major public-private partnership for basic education.

The meeting, organized by the Synergos Institute and facilitated by KCFI president Rina Lopez-Bautista, discussed participatory governance and the use of people power to effect change.

“With this initiative, we aim to help address perennial learning and resource gaps using educational media, primarily by maximizing Knowledge Channel’s broadcast infrastructure, and providing our expertise in education media content development and production, using various formats across on-air, online and on-the-ground platforms,” Lopez-Bautista said.

KCFI’s 4-Point Initiative for Education aims to use the power of media and technology to improve Philippine basic education, and focuses on key target groups: 1) elementary and high school students; 2) day care centers and pre-school; 3) technical vocational schools; and 4) out-of-school and adult learners.

One proposed project is the Expert Teachers On Air, which is a program that hopes to help high school students improve their mastery of the critical subjects of English, Math and Science. Another is Day Care and Pre-School Educational Programming, which KCFI will develop together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. KCFI is also offering On-Air Technical Vocational Training, where high school students can learn various technical and vocational skills.

Recently, KCFI established the Out-of-School and Mature Learners Alternative Learning Institute, which will provide out-of-school and mature learners with opportunities to finish their basic education, or with life skills that will make them more employable. Also under this initiative is the KCh Lite (Light Instructional Tools for Educators), which mobile teachers can use to enhance the learning experience in remote and far-flung communities.