Opportunities
for Youth
The Philippine education system has higher drop-out rates and poorer test scores than neighboring countries. While
education in the Philippines is free by definition across the Philippines many children from poor backgrounds have dropped out of
school because their families cannot afford the cost of uniforms, stationery etc.
The drop-out rate is increasing. In 2003, 66
out of 100 Grade 1 students graduate from elementary. In 2006, only 56 are able to complete elementary school. In 2001, 70 out of
every 100 first year high school students complete their four years in high school. In 2006, this dropped to 54 out of every 100.
A result of the slowing down in enrolment rates and the worsening drop-out rates is the increase in the number of out-of-school children.
In 2001, there were approximately 1.87 million out-of-school children with ages from 6-15 years old. In a matter of four years, in
2005, the number of out-of-school children has reached a staggering 3.1 million.
This initiative can help youth gain access to education through two ways: first by showing them how to create needed school materials out of materials that they already have and second by creating and selling the products they are provided with an employment opportunity that will generate extra income that can be used for educational expenses and fees.
Empowering Women
With growing unemployment rates and decreasing fish populations,
many families have difficulties making ends meet. This initiative provides house wives with an opportunity to use their creativity
and household materials to provide a small additional income for their families.
Environment
While it may not be possible
for the Philippines to completely reverse the damage that has been done to the environment, through education and telling others about
what has happened here, we hope to help other countries will be able to change their environmental programs before it is too late.
