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U.S. Ambassador Visits CENTEX School, an “Impressive Example” of Public-Private Partnership for Education

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney visited the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila on June 28. The CENTEX School educates approximately 175 children from economically disadvantaged families. Ambassador Kenney toured several classrooms, visited with students, and met with parents and teachers. Here, she talks with children in a kindergarten language arts class, where she looked at schoolwork and joined in the singing of educational songs.
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of the Ayala Foundation and Ayala Land, greets Ambassador Kenney at the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila. The CENTEX School educates approximately 175 children from economically disadvantaged families. A partnership with the Department of Education and the Government of Manila, the school is chiefly funded by Ayala Land and the Ayala Foundation, which the Ambassador described as "an impressive example of corporate responsibility." Also pictured is Vicky Garchitorena, President of the Ayala Foundation (right).
During a visit to the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila on June 28, Ambassador Kenney met with students, teachers, and parents. Here, she helps students in a kindergarten class sing an educational song. Aside from providing free education, the school provides financial support to the economically disadvantaged students by subsidizing their school uniforms, books, transportation, and meals.
Ambassador Kenney visited the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila on June 28. Some of the CENTEX classrooms use a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) teaching program called "text2teach." The Ayala Foundation, which funds the CENTEX School, and USAID also coordinate on a program to bring Internet access to public schools.
Ambassador Kenney met with parents of CENTEX students during her visit to the school, which educates 175 children from kindergarten through sixth grade from economically disadvantaged families. "I met wonderful young students who are incredibly motivated, well spoken, and all-around impressive," said Ambassador Kenney. "The parents are all dedicated to their children's education, and the teachers are equally remarkable."
Fernando Zobel de Ayala (far left), Chairman of the Ayala Foundation and Ayala Land, gives Ambassador Kenney (far right) a tour of the CENTEX School in Tondo, Manila. "What an impressive example of corporate responsibility and giving real opportunities to young Filipinos," said Ambassador Kenney. Ambassador Kenney noted she was particularly impressed with the special attention given to helping students not only strive for higher education, but also to assisting children and families on issues such as self esteem and nutrition.
Ambassador Kenney visited the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila on June 28. Here she poses with teachers, members of the Ayala Foundation, and representatives of the U.S. Embassy. Some of the CENTEX classrooms use a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) teaching program called "text2teach." The Ayala Foundation, which funds the CENTEX School, and USAID also coordinate on a program to bring Internet access to public schools.
During her visit to the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, known as the CENTEX School, in Tondo, Manila on June 28, Ambassador Kenney toured several classrooms, visited with students, and met with parents and teachers. She left extremely impressed with the dedication of the students, teachers, parents, and the Ayala Foundation, which is the primary funding source for the school. "I met wonderful young students who are incredibly motivated, well spoken, and all-around impressive," she said.

Last Update :: 06/29/2006

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