USAID donates emergency learning kits in DavSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 29, 2020): USAID donates emergency learning kits in DavSur (By Rudolph Ian Alama)

DAVAO CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA)- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over more than 14,000 emergency learning kits for learners and teachers to the Davao del Sur towns of Hagonoy, Kiblawan, Magsaysay, Bansalan, Malalag, Matanao and Padada.

These towns were the hardest hit localities during the series of earthquakes last year particularly the strong December 15, 2019 earthquake in Davao del Sur. The 6.9 magnitude tremor damaged 26,000 homes and 400 schools affecting 188,000 students.

The USAID responded to the Department of Education’s urgent call for assistance by donating 14,436 kits for students and 400 kits for teachers.

“These kits are gifts from the American people, a symbol of the continued strong partnership between our two nations. By ensuring that children have access to education that is safe, relevant and promotes social well-being, USAID is helping young students gain the foundational skills they need to lead productive and healthy lives,” Tom LeBlanc, Director, Office of Education USAID Philippines said during the online turnover held today (Sept. 22).

These kits will also be of great use in the current COVID-19 health crisis. Teachers from Kinder to Grade 3 (K-3) will be able to use the contents of their kits to ensure their well-being and prepare for their lessons in their chosen learning delivery modalities.

Students also will receive back-to-school starter kits to foster their self-esteem and bring back their sense of normalcy, safety, and routine. The kits have been delivered to schools in Bansalan, Magsaysay, and Matanao.

The local government beneficiaries and the Department of Education acknowledge and gave gratitude to USAID for the learning kits during the virtual turn-over which was participated by the beneficiaries and education stakeholders.

“One of the major thrust of the local government is to improve the education sector, it is also part of our commitment to improve the education of our youth, to support DepEd effort to strengthen the quality of education, we are very thankful to the USAID for the assistance given to us, this will help the education sector of our municipality,” Magsaysay town Mayor Arthur Davin said during the turnover.

“The donation of more than 14,000 student kits and 400 teachers kits is indeed a big held in the Division of Davao del Sur,” DepEd Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero said thanking USAID for the assistance. (PIA/RG Alama)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054244