THE US Agency for International Development turned over distance learning equipment worth P2.2 million to support Cagayan de Oro City’s Alternative Learning System e-Skwela Center.

The donation Include 50 desktop computers, webcams, headphones, wireless routers, and other materials for distance learning.

USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan virtually turned over the equipment to Department of Education ALS Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat, who was joined by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and Representative Rolando Uy.

“The US government, through USAID, has supported DepEd in reinvigorating education programs. We are working hard so that vulnerable, out-of-school youth, who have stopped school due to the pandemic, are given the opportunity and tools to adapt, grow, and have a better tomorrow,” Callahan said.

USAID is also supporting the e-Skwela centers located in Legazpi City, General Santos City, Angeles City, and Davao City through an aid package amounting to P12 million.

Through its Opportunity 2.0 program, USAID has been supporting the DEPED’s ALS’ continuity and Covid19 response plan, which helps restore access to education for vulnerable out-of-school youth.

Last year, it helped the Education department develop self-paced ALS modules and trained ALS teachers to deliver the content using new modalities to overcome pandemic-related challenges.

To date, more than 16,000 out-of-school youth have benefitted from the modules while more than 2,500 ALS teachers and implementers have been trained on flexible delivery modalities nationwide.

“The Covid19 pandemic worsened the out-of-school youth’s lack of access to education. This magnified their vulnerability, leaving them less able to pursue education and progress toward better economic opportunities for themselves and their families,” Ambat said.

“We are happy that USAID remains one of DepEd’s strongest partners, committed to supporting us in improving the quality of basic education for Filipino youth,” she added.