Out-of-school-youths (OSYs) consider ALS or the Alternative Learning System as the last resort in their effort to achieve their goals in life. They have countless stories to tell why they dropped and were not able to continue their studies.
Patrick Cortez, 16, a third grade dropout from Manila North Cemetery, related that he had no chance of going back to formal school after failing tests twice.
“No one will provide for my support to continue my studies after my parents separated. I am now living with my unemployed mother while my father is taking care of his own family,” he said matter-of-factly.
Priscilla Fernandez, 16, shared the same plight after the latter had a misunderstanding and broken relationship with her parents. They cut off their support for her studies in the middle of the school year.
On the other hand, Jasper Tiglao, Ericka Teliquido and Sarah Mae Cleto dropped from school after failing to cope with school expenses. They came from families with parents who work as tomb caretakers and flower vendors in the cemetery.
The rest of the OSY decided to abandon their studies to earn for their jobless parents. They work as beggars, sampaguita vendors, tricycle drivers and household helpers.
Often times, parents are reluctant to send their children to formal schools given the choice between spending the money for education and for the family’s survival. There are circumstances that parents prevented their young kids to attend school to make them oversee younger siblings and do household chores while they are working.
In the context of disadvantageous experiences such as these, the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. (KKFI) Alternative Learning System (ALS) program was born.
We at KKFI refuse to accept that these children and youth be allowed to stop dreaming. The KKFI made education very easy and convenient to these children by bringing ALS classes right to their communities following the true concept and essence of the ALS program. It provides most of the things the learners need to have access to better education.
A story of one of the hopeful ALS students is that of Sarah Mae Cleto, now 15 years old. She is a consistent honor pupil during her elementary years but had to stop her studies while she was in Grade 7. Sarah was born from parents who derived their income as flower vendors at the gate of Manila North Cemetery. The incident made her very depressed but she was thankful after she found KKFI ALS.
Since then, Sarah became an active learner attending ALS classes conducted inside the Manila North Cemetery that started in July 2015. In her essay written on September 24, 2015 about the good things ALS had brought to her life, she wrote: “I’m very much thankful to KKFI for providing my school supplies and snacks while attending the classes. I do not have to worry about these and transportation expenses.”
She added that “KKFI ALS includes in their teaching not only the intellectual aspects but also real life experiences which helped me discover who I am. I discovered my hidden talents that helped me in bringing back my self-confidence.”
Being on top of the class, Sarah is motivated to study hard. She has been doing her essay exercises to pass the Accreditation and Equivalency Examination in the hope of earning a scholarship slot from KKFI.
Another story is that of Margoh De La Paz, 17, a 7th grade dropout from Magsaysay, Tondo. He enrolled in KKFI ALS held in Barangay 109 in Tondo. He related that ALS is very important for him because he gained knowledge and skills to advance toward a better life.
In his essay written on February 15, 2015 he says, “I will not gamble my time and never lose this opportunity. This is the only way I can reach my goal. I’m confident that through the knowledge I gained from ALS, I can pass the examination.”
Rolly Boy Rejano, 23, also from Magsaysay, related that he attended ALS to pursue his dreams of facing the test of reality despite being born to a poor family.
He said, “ALS is giving me a brand new hope. This is my second and last chance. I will not be complacent but do the best I can. I know I can do all of these through prayers asking God his blessing and guidance.”
Rolly Boy dreams of becoming a seaman after passing the Accreditation and Equivalency Examination. He thinks that he has no other possible way to finish high school other than ALS because of his age.
These learners share the same aspirations about their personal improvement and concern for their family’s future making ALS very relevant in building strong family and community.
The KKFI is always on the side of the youth who want to change their lives for the better. At present, KKFI is continuing its ALS program to help more OSYs like Patrick, Priscilla, Sarah, Margoh, and Rolly Boy. The KKFI aims to help them build their trust and confidence to renew, nourish and realize their goals in life.
They are the children and youth catered by KKFI Alternative Learning System Program conducted in Manila North Cemetery, St. Peter United Methodist Church in Navotas City, and Barangays 107 and 109 in Magsaysay, Tondo in Manila.
Education is the last recourse for the out-of-school youth and children to achieve their goals. The hope that it brings to the youth makes ALS very relevant, indeed.