Tag: ChildFund Philippines

ChildFund and SEAMEO INNOTECH launch localized social and emotional learning framework

In an ambitious move to transform education and bolster the emotional well-being of Filipino students, ChildFund Philippines, in partnership with Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), has launched the country’s first localized Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. This innovative initiative is set to resonate deeply with the cultural nuances of Filipino students in public schools, promising to foster holistic development and sustainable community involvement.

A Framework Rooted in Culture

The 2024-2027 SEL program is meticulously designed to reflect the unique cultural heritage of the Philippines. This framework aims to develop adaptable SEL curriculum models tailored to diverse cultural contexts. By engaging communities in the adaptation and implementation process, the program seeks to foster a sense of ownership and sustainability.

“We envisioned a localized approach engaging all stakeholders in the country – teachers, parents, and students,” said Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines. “This collaborative effort ensures the framework addresses the holistic development of both learners and educators, making it culturally relevant and impactful.”

Nurturing Humanity and Fellowship

Central to the SEL framework is the cultivation of “pagpapakatao” (being humane) and “pakikipagkapwa-tao” (fellowship), essential values that Education Specialist Marlene Floresca of ChildFund Philippines believes will help students become capable and self-trusting individuals. This competency framework equips teachers with the tools to better support students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “The success of the SEL framework depends on the active involvement of teachers, along with parents and communities. Their participation ensures that the framework addresses the specific social and emotional needs of both learners and educators,” she said.

Early Development for Long-term Success

Starting SEL skills development early, from kindergarten and potentially even earlier, is crucial for long-term success. Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of the Center for Educational Measurement, highlighted the importance of assessing SEL skills alongside cognitive skills. “We are working with the education department to integrate these assessments into the SEL framework, ensuring evidence-based progress,” she noted.

From Pilot to Policy

Implementation of the framework will commence this year with a pilot program in select public schools to test its effectiveness. Following this, the framework will be integrated into school-wide practices and policies for students, educators, and non-teaching staff.

The Department of Education (DepEd), part of the technical working group that developed the framework, will endorse SEL modules accessible via an e-learning platform. Teachers and school heads will complete these courses and earn professional development points through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines and the Professional Regulation Commission.

A Pillar of the MATATAG Agenda

The SEL framework supports the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, which focuses on promoting the well-being of learners and supporting teachers to perform better. It will be implemented across the K-12 curriculum and expanded to mental health programs in schools nationwide.

“This SEL framework responds to the call for an education system that imparts knowledge and cultivates the social and emotional foundation children need to build their dreams, equipping them beyond what books can teach,” said Dr. Dexter Galban, Assistant Secretary for Operations of the DepEd.

Community Voices

To ensure the framework is truly representative, ChildFund and its partners conducted interviews with K-12 and Alternative Learning System students across various regions, including Metro Manila, Apayao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Their insights have been invaluable in shaping a framework that meets the diverse needs of Filipino students.

For those interested in getting involved or learning more about the SEL competency framework, please visit ChildFund Philippines.

Details provided in a recent press release.

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ChildFund Philippines targets to help 5 million children and families by 2026

In a heartwarming display of commitment to the future of Filipino children, ChildFund Philippines recently unveiled their ambitious plan to positively impact the lives of 5 million children and families by 2026. Announced during their “Connection for Impact” event, this initiative is part of ChildFund International’s larger goal of reaching 100 million children and families globally by 2030.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, featuring insightful discussions from children and youth advocate groups including The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, UNICEF, and the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center. These organizations highlighted the urgent need for united efforts in creating a sustainable and secure future for Filipino youth.

Scaling Up for Greater Impact

Anand Vishwakarma, the Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, articulated the organization’s vision: “We aim to scale up our efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by Filipino children and youth. Together with our partners, we are driven by the urgent need to create broader and more sustainable impacts through collaborative efforts.”

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During the event held at Marco Polo Ortigas, Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, announced the organization’s goal to reach 5 million Filipino children and families by 2026 and every year thereafter.

In 2023 alone, ChildFund’s initiatives reached 21 provinces, 35 cities and municipalities, and 365 barangays. Working alongside 11 local partners, they supported a remarkable total of 54 million children, youth, and adults.

Holistic Support from Early Childhood to Adulthood

ChildFund’s approach is comprehensive, focusing on key areas such as education, health, skill development, livelihoods, child protection, and climate action. From ensuring that children under five are healthy and secure, to providing education that builds personal agency, and equipping young adults with skills for employment, the organization supports Filipino children through all stages of life.

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ChildFund Philippines recently gathered partners from communities and civil service organizations to share milestones in supporting Filipino children and youth. (L-R: Allan Lee Nuñez, Advocacy and Child Protection Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Carla Santos, President of The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms; Dr. Ma. Bella Ponferrada, Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF; Dr. Elizabeth Protacio-De Castro, Executive Director of the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center; Francis Joseph Dela Cruz. Partnership Advocacy Adviser of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities; Anand Vishwakarma, CEO and Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and Kim Garcia, Business Development Officer of ChildFund Philippines.)

Its Project Advancement of Children’s Inclusive Education through Virtual Engagement (ACHIEVE) has already made strides by supporting 610 learners with disabilities through virtual engagement and developing an e-learning platform that enhanced children’s participation. Additionally, neighborhood play programs have been established in remote communities to ensure early childhood care and development. The youth are also guided in making informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health, and through the Job Opportunity Building for Youth (JOB for Youth program), 396 young people have received training in industry and technopreneurship.

Empowering Youth in Disaster Preparedness

ChildFund’s Children and Youth-led Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CYDRM) program engages children and youth in disaster risk management and climate action, promoting their active involvement in creating safer communities. Project  Relief Allocation Management, Distribution and Monitoring (RAMDAM) further enhances transparency in disaster relief through innovative, technology-based interventions.

How You Can Make a Difference

ChildFund Philippines launched the #FunOfAKind campaign, inviting everyone to contribute their “time, talent, and treasure” to support their programs. This campaign aims to:

  • Provide inclusive education for indigenous children in BARMM through the Bajau Ongka-kumpit for Access and Transition to School (BOAT School) program.
  • Enhance social and emotional learning and promote safe learning environments.
  • Withdraw children from the worst forms of child labor.
  • Engage youth in leading Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) initiatives.
  • Advocate for the nationwide adoption of the RAMDAM disaster response app.

“The challenges faced by Filipino children are complex,” Vishwakarma emphasized. “By working together – government, businesses, non-government organizations, and concerned citizens – we can achieve far better outcomes for them.”

Get Involved

ChildFund Philippines offers numerous ways for you to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can help transform the lives of millions of children and families across the Philippines.

For more information on how to get involved, visit ChildFund Philippines.

About ChildFund Philippines

ChildFund Philippines is a dedicated NGO working to break the cycle of poverty for children and youth since the 1970s. As a program office of ChildFund International, they collaborate with 11 local partners across 20 provinces to ensure the safety, health, education, and skill development of children. Their advocacy includes the prevention of child labor and online sexual exploitation, alongside significant efforts in climate action to safeguard the future of the younger generation.

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