The Philippines and United States have joined hands to ensure that Philippine schools and their curricula are "as inclusive as possible."
In order to achieve this, the US Peace Corps partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop and test new assessment tools for learners with disabilities in Albay province.
The US Embassy in the Philippines said the initiative is part of a series of activities that aim to ensure schools and their curricula are as inclusive as possible.
It involves 40 teachers and 200 students from Albay. It 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,” US Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Jenner Edelman said.
Albay Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Norma Samantela thanked the US Peace Corps and USAID for their collaboration and support, saying that “By investing in inclusive education in the Philippines, you are investing in something life-changing for learners with disabilities.”
The US Peace Corps is the US government’s premier American volunteer service organization.
Throughout the pandemic, US Peace Corps staff, rather than American volunteers, have been supporting DepEd and other Philippine government partners in achieving their development priorities.
Now that the Philippines is at low risk for Covid-19, US Peace Corps volunteers are scheduled to return to the Philippines in January 2023.