THE DEPARTMENT of Education has applied for a $110-million loan with the World Bank to finance non-formal schooling programs.

The World Bank said that the loan aims to improve service delivery of the Alternative Learning System and learners’ outcomes in selected community learning centers.

The financial institution said that the bank’s board in Washington is likely to approve the loan funding for DepEd’s project dubbed Strengthening Alternative Learning System for All in February 2022.

It said that the DepEd requested funds to address major difficulties in learning and teaching conditions, buildings and equipment, teachers, evaluations and certifications, and the Bureau of Alternative Education’s overall capabilities.

“ALS learning interventions are predominantly delivered through face-to-face interactions at community learning centers using paper-based learning modules. These CLCs come in different forms, ranging from open-air spaces under a tree, private properties, or public spaces owned by LGUs and public schools. In addition, where feasible, ALS classes were offered via computer-based learning and radio-based instructions,” the World Bank said.