Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay has given school supplies to 84 juveniles placed in the city’s caring facilities under Project FREE (Free Relevant Excellent Education). The program encourages underprivileged children to continue with their education under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) as part of the commitment of Binay “to promote inclusivity” in basic education.

The free school supplies and uniforms were given to 43 boys in the Makati Youth Home (MYH) and 41 girls in the Social Development Center (SDC) who are enrolled in ALS program in line with the city’s rehabilitation program for juvenile delinquents and young victims of abuse.

“We have begun providing free school supplies and uniforms to these young Makatizens as an added incentive for them to do good in the ALS program. It will prepare them in going back to school for formal education after they are released from the city’s custody,” Binay said.

She said, children in conflict with the law and children at risk would greatly benefit from a holistic program that promotes their physical and emotional well-being as well as their intellectual development.

“It will help ensure their successful reintegration into the community,” she explained.

According to DepEd-Makati chief Rita Riddle, the children in the MYH and SDC caring facilities are receiving education through ALS with modified and individualized modules according to the needs of the learner.

Each ALS learner received a set of school supplies consisting of 10 notebooks, ball pens and pencils. They also received a pair of new black shoes, one set of school uniform, bag, pad paper and a school diary.”

Riddle said that because of the constant support of the city, the children in MYC and SDC now have a better chance to pass the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency or A&E test.

“Mobile teachers used to go to the caring facilities and hold classes twice a week. Now, we are working on having permanent multi-grade teachers who will conduct classes in said facilities every day,” she said.

The ALS A&E test is designed to measure the competencies of a student who has neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system. Its passers are given a certificate or diploma to allow them to pursue junior or senior high school education.

Makati City has an increasing passing rate for A&E test with 54.86 percent in 2015, 61.58 percent in 2016 and 66.96 percent in 2017 DepEd Makati data showed.