DEPED launches ‘Balsa-Aralan’ in Palawan
THE Department of Education (DepEd)-Schools Division of Palawan launched“Balsa-Aralan” in Balabac, Palawan to further intensify the access to education of out-of-school youths in the island communities in the town.
The launching was in coordination with the local government of Balabac.
DepEd-Palawan Schools Division Superintendent Roger Capa said the project is under the Boosting Access Literacy Service through Altrenative Learning System or Project BALSA.
The DepEd-Palawan is also planning to launch the same project in other municipalities of the province.
Capa said the other local government units also expressed interest in the program.
“Isa pa lamang itong sa Balabac, although mayroong balak ang ibang munisipyo na makipagtulungan din sa amin. Merong plano rin ang ibang munisipyo pero nasa proseso pa kami ng pag-uusap,” Capa said.
Balsa-Aralan is a DepEd Palawan program that aims to improve out-of-school youths’ access to education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
It features a two-storey flat raft, with instructional materials and television sets for audio-visual presentations. It also has a comfort room and a restroom where ALS teachers can take a break while traveling.
The first Balsa-Aralan was launched by DepEd Palawan in Bgy. Rabor, in cooperation with the local government of Balabac.
The primary beneficiaries of the program are out-of-school youths as well as adults.
“’Yung mga hindi na nag-aaral dahil nalilibang na sa pagtatrabaho, since informal naman ito, bibisitahin sila ng mga ALS teachers at tuturuan sila ayon sa kanilang schedule. ‘Yung learning materials, galing din sa DepEd and then mayroon ding individuals and groups na nagpaabot na magbibigay sila, although pag-uusapan pa rin namin,” the DepEd Palawan official said.
Capa added that the program will bring hope and education to those in need, particularly in the far-flung areas.
