Deped’s ALIVE project aims  to improve Muslim Education

The Department of Education has launched its Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education in Alternative Learning Systems to address the need to upgrade the quality of Muslim basic education in the country.

The ALIVE in ALS project aims to contribute to the peace process and improve the quality of Muslim life by upgrading their basic education and integrating the study of Arabic and Muslim values to the current ALS curriculum.

The ALIVE in ALS is expected to be implemented in selected pilot urban migrant centers nationwide within this month. One of Cebu’s Alternative Learning Systems will be included in the pilot testing.

Muslim migrants in several urban centers throughout the country will be the initial beneficiaries of the program. These migrants according to DepEd regional director Carolino Mordeno are Muslims who left Mindanao either because of the “seemingly endless armed conflict there” or in “search of business opportunities.”

“ALS is expected to provide solutions in areas of conflict, in indigenous communities and in areas where literacy is most wanting,” Mordeno said.

ALS consists of three specialized components targeted at particular student groups. These components include Basic Literacy, Accreditation and Equivalency as well as Livelihood Skills Development and Entrepreneurship.

The Basic Literacy component will provide training to develop reading, writing and numeric skills in Muslims six years old and above. Literate adults and drop-outs from the elementary and secondary levels will have a chance to complete their education through the Accreditation and Equivalency component.

Muslim out-of-school youths will also receive technical and vocational training through the Livelihood Skills Development and Entrepreneurship component.

Aside from certifications or diplomas to be issued upon successful completion of any of the components, employment assistance and post-training support will be given to graduates of the LSDE component.

“Many learners require us to provide alternative modes of education. These initiatives provide them with the literacy and skills they need to become productive members of society,” Mordeno said. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV