TACLOBAN CITY – Education knows no age limits, as Rowena Taboso, 52, and Ma. Irma Trinidad, 26, is proving this by enrolling in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) class offered at Northern Tacloban City National High School (NTCNHS).
Taboso and Trinidad are part of the 34 pioneer Senior High School ALS students at NTCNHS. They are grateful for the opportunity to return to school.
As the oldest student, Taboso is proud of her pursuit of further knowledge.
She finished secondary education 28 years ago and, before enrolling in ALS was a computer literacy scholar in a program for parents in northern Tacloban.
“Even though I’m the oldest in the class, I’m not ashamed because my classmates are supportive,” Taboso said.
She always dreamed of going back to school, and 28 years later, after her two children finished college, Taboso finally got the chance.
With this opportunity, Taboso aims to pursue her childhood dream of studying interior design. Last year, she was among the top-performing students in the ALS program.
The ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education.
Trinidad, unlike Taboso, had to leave school due to poverty, working as a house help in Metro Manila at the age of 13, just after graduating elementary school. Her dream of returning to school was further delayed when she had her first child at 16.
Determined to reach her goal, she enrolled in a computer literacy program for parents in the northern barangays, particularly those relocated to Yolanda housing facilities.
The opening of the Senior High School ALS class last year gave her the chance she had been waiting for.
Trinidad attends her classes with her 1-year-old daughter, as do other ALS students with infant children.
“I am grateful for ALS because I can go back to school even though I am already a mother,” she said.
Trinidad plans to pursue a college education, aiming to study either education or entrepreneurship.
Ares Fritz Almaden, NTCNHS ALS coordinator, shared that from 34 students last year, the number has decreased to 28 due to various circumstances such as marriage, pregnancy, and relocation.
Given the students’ unique conditions, Almaden explained that although ALS subjects are the same as those in regular classes, the teaching approach is different to make lessons easier and more understandable.
“Unlike in regular classes, the teaching method for ALS is simplified for the students to easily comprehend and understand their lessons, helping them catch up to the competency of regular students,” Almaden said.
NTCNHS offers two Senior High School strands: general academic strand and technical-vocational-livelihood focusing on cookery. Students use a blended learning style, combining modular and face-to-face classes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
