UNICEF Philippines and BDO Foundation have launched a collaborative initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities for out-of-school children and youth in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This partnership focuses on the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to provide a second chance for vulnerable adolescents, especially in the provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Maguindanao.
Over the next two years, BDO Foundation will fund the program, which seeks to benefit 3,000 adolescents aged 10 to 19. This initiative is designed to bridge the education gap caused by poverty, armed conflict, and natural disasters, ensuring that young people, including girls and those with disabilities, can access education or develop employable skills.
With BARMM’s high illiteracy rate and limited educational resources, this partnership offers flexible learning options to help youth reintegrate into formal education and actively contribute to their communities. By working closely with local governments, the joint effort promises long-term impact, empowering young people to create brighter futures and enhancing socio-economic mobility in the region.
