Islamic City of Marawi (09 September ) --- In an effort to increase access to quality education in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett turned over Wednesday the P1-million worth two-classroom school building to Abdul Azis Elementary School in Barangay Kadayunan 2, this city.
The classrooms were equipped with student chairs, teacher tables, reading cabinets, blackboards, fans and toilets as well as electrical and water facilities.
The construction of the school building is part of the Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The EQuALLS2 project aims to increase learning opportunities for children and youth through community support for education; strengthened capacity for teaching English, Science and Math at the elementary level; and improved relevance of education and training for out-of-school children and youth.
USAID partnered with Petron Foundation and both pledged US$1.25 million each for the construction of 120 new classrooms and the repairing of 480 existing classrooms to address the shortage of classrooms in Mindanao areas most affected by conflict and poverty.
The school building was constructed by Petron Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, a public-private alliance under EQuALLS2, with the support of the local community.
Aside from the building, the Abdul Azis Elementary School also received a package of support from EQuALLS which includes provision of learning and instructional materials, training of teachers and administrators, capability building of its parent-teacher association (PTA), and $100 grant each year for the Department of Education’s school maintenance program dubbed as Brigada Eskwela.
Moreover, the school was also given an EQuALLS2 Community Incentive Grant with $1,000 from the USAID and an equivalent amount as leverage from the community for the needs of the school as identified by the PTA or the community members.
The turnover ceremony was also graced by US Embassy Deputy Mission Director Elzadia Washington, Petron representative Mattee Uylangco, city vice mayor Noryasmin Calandada, city councilor Abdani Alonto, TESDA Provincial Director Tarhata Mapandi and DepEd officials.
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