DepEd, private group to build library cum classroom

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd), with the aid of private sector partner the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation, will build “double purpose” one-storey buildings that will serve as library and also as preschool classrooms in selected public schools.

Through the Silid Pangaraps project designed by the AGAPP Foundation, the DepEd seeks to establish preschool or kindergarten in public schools, and address its campaign, the Every Child a Reader.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro hailed the AGAPP Foundation for stepping forward to help DepEd with the Silid Pangarap project.

“This partnership is part of the expanded preschool education that will help us ensure that all Grade I entrants have the necessary preparations to make them ready for academic work and consequently succeed in formal school,” said Luistro.

DepEd, through the Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE), has formalized the partnership through a memorandum of agreement and had launched in August 2010 School Libraries cum Preschool Classroom project.

The agreement deals with the construction of one-storey buildings furnished as school libraries, which shall also be utilized as kindergarten classrooms with accompanying age-appropriate instructional materials.

It will also support teacher training and school staff development with focus on early childhood care and development and family literacy.

Moreover, the partnership will also help promote partnership building and networking among volunteers and non-government organizations (NGOs) at the local level closer to the schools.

“We can only secure the future of this country if we improve basic education. While we do not have all the answers to address all the education backlogs, our hope remains that more stakeholders will support our efforts towards education reforms. We carry on the positive stance in making our EFA goal a reality,” Luistro stressed.

In support of the project, the department has issued Memorandum No. 488, series 2010, to urge all divisions to submit a list of schools with preschool classes to be considered as potential recipient of the project.

The department has been actively pushing for partnerships with the private sector and civil society to collaborate on various projects that will contribute to the education for all (EFA) goal of the department, particularly in reaching all five-year old children and providing them with the much needed learning environment and experiences.

“Taking into consideration the big responsibility we have, we seek the full support of all education stakeholders. And we are happy how things are turning out. Many groups now see how they can contribute in creating a difference in young children’s future by investing in education,” said Luistro.