MANILA (June 16)—The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the United States (US) Peace Corps to develop and test new assessment tools for learners with disabilities in Albay province.
The partnership involves 40 teachers and 200 students from Albay which is part of a series of activities that aim to ensure schools and their curricula are as inclusive as possible.
US Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Jenner Edelman said the initiative is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).
“Inclusive education is a priority for DepEd and the US Peace Corps, and our shared aim is to ensure that all learners, including learners with disabilities, receive a quality education,” Edelman said.
Dr. Norma Samantela, Albay Schools Division Superintendent, expressed thanks to the US Peace Corps and USAid for their collaboration and support
“By investing in inclusive education in the Philippines, you are investing in something life-changing for learners with disabilities,” Samantela said.
According to the US Embassy in the Philippines, the US Peace Corps is the US government’s premier American volunteer service organization.
The Embassy said the US Peace Corps staff, rather than American volunteers, have been supporting DepEd and other Philippine government partners in achieving their development priorities throughout the pandemic.
It added that the US Peace Corps volunteers are scheduled to return to the Philippines in January 2023 especially now that the Philippines is at low risk for Covid-19.
More than 9,300 American Peace Corps volunteers have served alongside host communities across the Philippines over the past 60 years, the Embassy said. LCD