AUSTRALIA PARTICIPATES IN BRIGADA ESKWELA 2010
Australian Embassy staff today showed Australia’s strong support for education in the Philippines by participating in Brigada Eskwela activities at Padre Burgos Elementary School in Pasay City.
Brigada Eskwela, spearheaded by the Philippine Department of Education, is a nationwide activity that brings together parents, teachers and pupils to clean-up and prepare schools across the country for the start of classes in June.
“Today is an opportunity for Australian Embassy staff to roll-up their sleeves and work with teachers, parents, and children to get schools ready for the new school year,” Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said.
Australia provided approximately Php6.75 million to support Brigada Eskwela activities in 135 public schools - five in Pasay City and 130 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Each school received Php50,000 to purchase supplies such as paints, cleaning materials and equipment such as electric fans.
Australian Embassy staff will also participate in Brigada Eskwela activities this week at Jose Rizal Elementary School, Padre Zamora Elementary School, Rivera Elementary School and Pasay City West High School.
In 2010-11, the Australian Government Aid Program will provide up to Php 2 billion ($50 million) to help the Philippines reach its Education for All goals – to get children into school and keep them there – and improve basic education outcomes in the Philippines. Australian support helps increase access to quality education for Filipino girls and boys, including those with disabilities, Muslim and indigenous children and children in disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas.
“Australia is working with the Philippine Government, civil society and the private sector to train teachers, build classrooms, and provide teaching and learning materials,” Ambassador Smith said.
“Australia’s participation in Brigada Eskwela is part of our commitment to help improve the quality of teaching and learning in the Philippines.”