Author: Leo

One of the programs that Goducate offers in the Philippiines to out-of-school youth and others who have been unable to finish their schooling is training in the Philippines Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). Those who pass the ALS examination at the secondary level are eligible to apply for entrance to institutions of tertiary education. Some members of Goducate staff in Laguna are accredited ALS instructional managers (teachers).

13 ALS students began in January this year to prepare in earnest for the exams held in April. They met for review classes for 4 hours every Sunday afternoon at the Goducate Training Center in Laguna. Of these 6 sat for the examination.

6 of these students sat for the examination in April, and 3 of them passed, 1 at the elementary level and 2 at the secondary, a pass rate similar to that in the town of Bay (where Goducate Laguna is based). There, 7 took the examination at the elementary level, and 2 passed; and at the secondary level, 52 took the examination, and 27 passed

One of the students who passed was Manuel, a 29-year-old Goducate staff member. He could not complete his schooling because he had got into trouble with the law. He is now enrolled in a TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) course in Practical Nursing. As part of this course, he led a Moringa and Health Seminar for students and their parents at an elementary school (see blog, July 22).

On Sept 6, 2016, a staff member of Goducate in Laguna province of the Philippines taught hydroponics to the staff and to 105 students of Puypuy Elementary School. Pupuy is a district in the municipality of Bay in Laguna. The students were attending Grades 5 and 6.

The aim is to encourage the community to backyard farming, so that they instead of having to buy vegetables, they can just eat what they grow at home. With hydroponics, only a small amount of soil is needed, and the plants do not need as much sunlight as usual. Moreover, the method does not require much space, and can be learnt by children at an early age.

During the session at Puypuy Elementary school, both staff and students learnt how to plant spring onions and “pechay” (a variety of Chinese cabbage).

Goducate staff were invited by the Laguna Provincial Police Safety Company to help with the company’s medical mission in a far-flung area of Laguna on June 21.

5 Goducate staff members helped out. They travelled almost 3 h to reach this poor community. The event was held at one of the elementary schools there, where the team served almost 150 students, teachers, and some members of the community. There were free medical and dental check-ups, free hair-cuts, and free medicines. Goducate staff helped in the counselling area, asking and answering questions about health.

The students also received school supplies and slippers. The slippers were provided by Goducate, which took the opportunity to teach about hygiene and cleanliness. The feet of a few students were washed, as a practical demonstration of how to keep feet clean.

Goducate was also given an opportunity to tell the community about what Goducate Laguna is doing.