CFSI’s Basic Education Project is giving nine-year-old Saira Adam the opportunity to attend school despite the economic hardships facing her family.
The Basic Education Project (BEP) – a collaboration between CFSI, Stichting BRAC International and the Philippines’ Department of Education launched in 2012 in 15 conflict-affected municipalities in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces – is aimed at enabling far-flung communities without access to education to establish preschool and elementary schools utilizing an alternative delivery mechanism. The project, which receives financial resources from AusAID, organizes communities to put up classrooms, provides school supplies and equipment, and trains local teachers and caregivers to carry out Department of Education-approved classes.
Saira is a Grade 2 student at the Budas BRAC Learning Center in Barangay Budas, Balabagan, in Lanao Del Sur province in Mindanao. One of six children, her and two other siblings were left in the care of their grandparents when their father moved to Manila in search of work. However, in June 2013 her grandfather fell ill; with little money coming in, they were unable to bear the financial burden of Saira’s education, and she was withdrawn from school.
Concerned about the situation, Budas BRAC Learning Center Learning Facilitator Asliah Tanggao approached Saira’s grandfather and explained to him that his grand-daughter was an exemplary student and should be given the opportunity to continue her education, and that the BRAC programme provided school items and education for free.
Despite worn-out dresses and shoes, Saira is now back at school and is learning to read and write. She believes that a good education is the key to a good future. And thanks to the Basic Education Project, she is being given that opportunity.