UNICEF, BDO Foundation partner to expand educational access for youth

UNICEF Philippines and BDO Foundation are partnering to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school children, youth, and adolescents in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Alternative Learning System (ALS). This initiative, which is set to benefit vulnerable populations in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Maguindanao, will offer a second chance for out-of-school children and youth to reintegrate into formal education or develop essential employable skills.

The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank is funding the program over the next two years. The partnership aims to address the education gap and reach 3,000 adolescents aged 10 to 19, providing them with educational opportunities that can transform their lives.

BARMM faces several challenges, including high poverty rates, limited access to secondary schools, and the highest illiteracy rate in the country. Ongoing armed conflict, political instability, and natural disasters further exacerbate these issues, leaving many young people –especially girls, children with disabilities, and those affected by conflict – at a significant disadvantage. The region’s youth are also at risk of missing out on educational opportunities, which can severely hinder their socio-economic prospects.

In response, UNICEF Philippines has been collaborating with the BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education to expand ALS programmes, which offer flexible learning options for out-of-school youth. With BDO Foundation’s support, this joint commitment and partnership will enhance ALS access across the region, helping vulnerable adolescents rejoin the formal education sector, become more active in community, and acquire the skills and education needed for a brighter and more sustainable future.

UNICEF and BDO Foundation aim to address significant educational gaps in BARMM and increase the socio-economic mobility of youth in the region. By collaborating with local governments and communities, the initiative ensures the sustainability of ALS programs and delivers long-lasting impact for the beneficiaries.