Canada extends P68-M grant for kids' educational program
By Roy Mabasa
Canada has approved a C$1.9 million (approximately P68 million) for the implementation of a multi-platform educational entertainment program to train 100,000 children and 3,500 teachers about life skills and civic values in 100 schools across the Philippines.
In a statement on Thursday, the government of Canada announced that the project called “1001 Nights Civic and Peace Education Program” will be delivered by Vancouver-based Big Bad Boo Studios, Inc., in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
The world-leading Canadian animation company works closely with a Philippine studio in Manila.
“Canada is honored to be part of efforts by the Philippines Department of Education, to further promote the teaching of life skills and civic values to grade school Filipino children. This is especially important today as governments and parents around the world seek to address education for the next generation in the middle of a pandemic,” Canadian Ambassador to Manila Peter MacArthur said.
The Embassy of Canada said the project promotes the adoption of life skills and civic values among 6 to 12 year-olds, including non-violence, human rights, democracy, gender equality, and the rule of law.
“Through the project, we hope and trust that Filipino children will develop an increased understanding of why diversity, inclusion, tolerance, non-discrimination and empathy are smart life choices leading to greater harmony and happiness,” MacArthur explained.
The project will use cartoons to teach children life skills and civic values in formal and informal learning environments under a program based upon a very popular and award-winning animated television series called “1001 Nights”, which has aired as commercial entertainment on premier television networks in over 70 countries to a global audience of over 100 million people.
“1001 Nights” is the latest Canadian official development support to the Philippines, according to the Embassy.
In June and September this year, Canada announced a total of C$3 million in assistance to boost the Philippines’ efforts against COVID-19, which includes an in-kind donation of N-95 respirator masks and additional funding for women’s health initiatives to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on women and girls.