Save the Children Philippines welcomed the enactment of the Alternative Learning System law that will remove barriers to children’s learning and development particularly those from the marginalized sector, living in hard-to-reach areas and in vulnerable situations.

The child rights organization said Republic Act no. 11510 that seeks to institutionalize the Alternative Learning System will provide access to education for children who have disabilities, out of school children and youth, children from indigenous peoples’ groups, children in conflict with the law, and those in the disadvantaged sector.

“Inclusivity is critical in upholding the right of every child to access quality education that will support the development of their personality, talents, mental and physical abilities and achieve their fullest potential,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

Inclusive education means actively working to ensure that every child, irrespective of gender, language, ability, religion, nationality or other characteristics, is supported to meaningfully participate and learn alongside his/her peers, and develop to his/her full potential.

Muyot said children in disadvantaged sectors experience compounding issues on hunger and malnutrition, lack of access to learning, and are the most prone to abuses and exploitation. These are further exacerbated by the risks of COVID-19.

“We welcome the enactment of the law that aims to address education and development needs of children and youth, and opens opportunities for context-specific learning models fit for the intersectional needs of learners,” said Muyot.

Save the Children Philippines partnered with the Education-Network Philippines in advocating for the enactment of the law.

Save the Children Philippines has also pioneered the program KASALI “Kabataang Aralin sa Lahat Ibahagi” which provides children with disabilities access to quality inclusive and protective education that ensures equal learning opportunities for the most disadvantaged girls and boys.

The project, which was implemented in deprived communities in Metro Manila, has won the prestigious Zero Project Award by the Vienna-based Essl Foundation. The award recognizes projects with the most innovative and effective solutions to the problems of persons with disabilities throughout the world. KASALI engages the home, schools, government, and communities to work together and address the needs of children with disabilities.

Save the Children Philippines also implements Education in Emergencies to children and youth displaced by lingering gun battles in Mindanao and those affected by extreme weather events and disasters.