United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Supports Philippine Education through the EQuALLS Project

USAID/Philippines has developed a $33.6 million program to help address the challenges in Philippine education and to reduce the perpetuation of conflict and the social, economic and political marginalization of disadvantaged groups in conflict-prone areas, most notably Mindanao. Its overall aim is increased access to quality education in selected areas, particularly those most affected by conflict and poverty.

The Education program will be largely implemented under a single project, the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS) project. The project will carry out targeted interventions aimed at supporting visible improvements in education quality and access, livelihood training needs of out-of-school youth, and systemic reform. The primary focus will be on grades 1-3. Poor teaching and learning in grades 1-3, overcrowded classes, or the lack of access to a school or an effective alternative learning opportunity set up a barrier to a student’s ability to learn, leading to poor achievement and high illiteracy and drop-out rates.

The EQuALLS project will encompass: English instruction via radio, educational TV, curriculum and materials development, teacher training, limited classroom repair or construction, distribution of textbooks, school supplies and equipment to needy schools. EQuALLS will also support pilot programs that reintegrate out-of-school youth into the peaceful, productive economy through youth apprenticeships with partner businesses.

To implement EQuALLS, USAID is partnering with the Department of Education, DepEd ARMM, the U.S. Peace Corps, the American Foreign Policy Council, Creative Associates International, Inc., and six alliances with private organizations. The alliance partners are: International Youth Foundation with Ayala Foundation, Consuelo Foundation, Notre Dame Foundation for Charitable Activities, Petron Corporation, Nokia, and Pearson; Knowledge Channel: Synergeia Foundation; Save the Children with Pacific Resources for Learning and the Mindanao Business Council; Real World Productions; and Brother’s Brother Foundation with the Rotary Club of Makati and Allied Bank.

These private sector alliances are expected to double the resources available for this program. By joining with such private sector groups – corporations, foundations, and NGOs – the U.S Government pools, not only their financial resources, but also their creativity, energy, and expertise. Together, all the EQuALLS partners bring a wealth of dedication, expertise, and innovative approaches to the vital mission of bringing quality education to disadvantaged children and youth in the Philippines.

Under its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM-2) program, USAID has improved computer and Internet access for students at more than 100 schools and offered a “matching grant” program for schools to improve the quality of education in the schools.