GIVE DROPOUTS A CHANCE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

Dear Young Focus friends,

Greetings from Manila!

In one way it’s perhaps a bit strange to say that we're excited about the new school year 2021/2022, as we’re facing huge learning issues and challenges in the educational establishment at this Covid time. The schools are still closed in the Philippines and, for the new school year, our students again have to rely on the online systems and written modules of distance learning.

Nevertheless, we learnt a lot last school year and were somehow able to adapt. Our staff have become creative with online classes and have developed more techniques in streaming lessons which keep the students' attention. So many young people in the Philippines have lacked a proper education these last 18 months, but we are doing our best to fill the gaps, giving coaching to our beneficiaries as well. Not only the children but also their parents are given extra education through life skills sessions, including even, for example, instructions on how to use Google Meet on their cell phones. Although throughout the different lockdowns and restrictions the children have been prohibited from leaving home, adults are allowed to visit our centers, so we have been able to meet with the parents in small groups.

Young Focus has just launched a new campaign. We want to support the children and give out PREPAID internet cards so that they can load their mobile phones and ‘surf to their schools’, as well as attend Young Focus online tutorials. Free PREPAID cards will not only practically help them, but will also motivate and encourage them to participate in their online lessons and not be left out of the educational system. See link below for more information.

Thank you so much for your continuing support! We will stay in touch!

Paul

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Links:

• https://www.youngfocus.org/prepaid
• https://www.facebook.com/youngfocus.org

It seems strange to announce the end of the school year when students have not had the chance to be in school at all. Schools in the Philippines have been closed since March 2020. Distance learning – in the form of online teaching and study modules - has been the norm for more than a year. All of our students have had to make use of this. It hasn’t been easy for them as internet in the squatter areas is slow and many families lack the technology for their children to go online.

School year 2020/2021 has truly been a challenge, and yet, despite all the difficulties, the students will finish their school year next month. We have almost 600 students who will move up to the next level; some entering college, some even graduating from college. The programs for the school dropouts will have students graduating from an accelerated high school program called ALS (Alternative Learning System): in one year’s time these dropouts have been able to achieve a high school certificate! Younger school dropouts will be able to enter elementary school next school year. Altogether, more than 150 students enrolled in our school dropout programs will successfully move on to their next level!

As far as we know, the local government will not be re-opening the school buildings in August. So, we will continue with online and modular teaching. It is a difficult task for our staff as we often see the lack of motivation among our students due to these extra tough circumstances. We are keenly aware that without encouragement and support many will stop their education. The role of coaching our students is more necessary than ever and truly appreciated. As Young Focus staff we also want to express our appreciation of YOUR support as you continue to help us through your donations! THANK YOU!

Links:

• https://www.youngfocus.org