DepEd tie-up to provide ICT training for out-of-school youth

Out-of-school youths (OSYs) now have a chance to gain crucial information and communication technology (ICT) skills, with a new partnership between the Department of Education and a private school.

 

The DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement with STI Education Services Group Inc. that lets 36 STI campuses serve as community learning centers for OSYs nationwide.

 

“The bigger mandate of the (DepEd) is to look out for those who cannot be in school, those who dropped out of school, and those who dare not dream of entering a school. The real mandate of the Department is to be in search of those who cannot, in one way or another, enter the system,” DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said (http://www.deped.gov.ph/press-releases/deped-educ-partner-equip-osys-ict-skills-through-als).

 

“We think that time has come for us to really elevate our students not only to be at par with the world but to be similarly equipped when they graduate,” STI President Monico Jacob added.

Alternative learning
 

Under the agreement, STI shall provide space in its 36 head-office-owned campuses to accommodate OSYs who want to finish their secondary education.

 

STI campuses will serve as community learning centers where the DepEd can deliver its Alternative Learning System.

 

Also, STI will provide computers and equipment for “eSkwela,” and will help in ALS sessions on Information Technology.

 

STI’s Ortigas-Cainta campus will be the pilot area for CLC for OSYs.

 

Mobile schools

 

DepEd and STI are also collaborating on “Computer Laboratory on Wheels” (STI Mobile Schools).

 

Each STI Mobile School is a bus with 24 computers and Internet access.

 

STI Mobile School teachers will instruct public school students on Computer Concepts, Application Software, and ICT training.

 

“This partnership shall benefit a minimum number of 100 public schools and a minimum number of 15,000 students for the duration of five school years,” the DepEd said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News