Australian Group Eyes Expansion of Education Program in Davao

The Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines (AFFLP) has expressed its commitment to continue, and even expand its flagship program and project in the city – which initially covered only the Talomo District.

One of the program components is the sending of teachers from Davao public schools to Australia for further studies.

“We started our partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) several years ago and have received strong support from Mayor Sara Duterte”, said AFFLIP Deputy Chairman Ali Douglas, who regularly visits the city to monitor the foundation’s flagship projects.

AFFLIP is a non-government Foundation based in South Australia, which contributes to the educational development of young people living in some of the poorest areas of the Philippines.

Councilor Pilar Braga said AFFLIP’s program is focused on all elementary schools in the Talomo District. However, she said, there are plans to expand its assistance to all districts in the city.

Mr. Douglas said that through the years, a strong partnership has been developed between Australia and a group of principals and teachers in Davao City, the DepEd and the city government under Mayor Inday Sara.

“The project has so far benefitted 21,000 students, 500 teachers and 15 elementary schools”, he said.

Among the components of AFFLIP’s project in the city are the Literacy and Curriculum Program and the Scholarship Program, which aims to prevent students from dropping out of school; and Health and Nutrition, through the provision of vegetable garden and aquaculture supplies.

The Program also includes the School Learning Network feeding Program and the Outdoor Leaning program.

Braga said the Foundation’s programs and projects have a big impact in the development of the city’s public school students and teachers. CIO