DepEd, USAID partner to promote education for the ‘vulnerable’

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a bilateral agreement for the promotion of basic education for vulnerable members of the population such as out-of-school youth and students in conflict-affected areas.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the partnership intends to strengthen education governance at both the national and local levels.

“Our mandate is to provide every Filipino child with access to quality education,”Luistro said.

Under the agreement, the DepEd and the USAID will come up with projects aimed at providing life skills training to the youth, as well as activities that promote community engagement and peace education.

Programs seeking to increase the capability of teachers and youth leaders in meeting the education needs of the beneficiaries, particularly those in areas affected by crisis and conflict, will also be developed.

US embassy deputy chief of mission Brian Goldbeck expressed optimism that the partnership with USAID will help the country further empower its youth.

“This bilateral education agreement will sustain and reinvigorate our combined efforts to ensure that the Philippines continues its rise as regional and global leader in this new century,” Goldbeck said.

During the signing of the agreement last week, Education Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot also urged the public to take a stand in education and take an active part in shaping the future of every Filipino learner.

“Education is the primary driver of development,” said Muyot.