Aussie Embassy gives school kits

THE Australian Embassy turned over on Thursday its learning action cell materials on information and communication technology (ICT) to Department of Education (Deped) at the launching of the “Brigada Eskwela” at Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School in Davao City.

Australian Embassy in the Philippines mission deputy head Mat Kimberley said the learning action cell material would help teachers to develop (ICT) skills and improve teaching of coding and stem in secondary schools. He added that the materials will also enhance basic office productivity and learning.

The Australian Embassy also provided Kindergarten Kits. These are materials that a kindergarten teacher can use for learning activities with kindergarten students.

"We would like to create a prosperous and staple region, and we are working on that to produce graduates that can produce productive economy and a safe working environment and a better society for us all," Kimberley said, adding that they are pleased to support the country with their programs.

The Australian Embassy officials and staff have joined the Deped-Davao in its Brigada Eskwela to start the Philippines– Australia Friendship Week celebration. The embassy with the Deped officials and teachers, and parents repainted the walls, tables and student armchairs of the school.

Prior to the launching of the Brigada Eskwela, the Australian Embassy visitors also went for a tour at Deped’s National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) 11 in Davao City.

Kimberley said the Australia has proved around AUD 85-million in development assistance to the Philippines this year. He added that the support for education is one of the highest priorities of the Australia's development partnership with the Philippines.

Australia's support for the country's education reform included the development of curricula, construction and repair of classrooms, and scholarship grants, which are geared towards promoting inclusive socio-economic development.

Deped-Davao Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Ines Asuncion, meanwhile, said in her speech that the Australia’s longstanding engagement in the country covers a wide range of programs, activities and projects. She added that the country is lucky to have them.

"The city, as the seat of the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao Project back in 2002 to 2008, has sustained and enhanced the projects we gained and honed our knowledge and skills from then on," Asuncion said.

She said they have calibrated the distance learning modules, aligning the competencies to the K to 12 to be utilized by the learners with peculiar need such as those who are sick and are working. She added that these things were gained from the study tour they have had at Port Augusta in South Australia.

Asuncion said they have also sustained some of the programs they learned from South Australia. She added that they hoped that this year’s Brigada Eskwela will strengthen the Philippines-Australia partnership.