This is due to the pressure for governments and even development institutions to make a choice between investing in one part of the Education for All (EFA) components over the other.
But education rights cannot be traded off against one another. If the school system fails the first time, second chances should be made available through bridging programs for youth and adults.
These programs have to be made available especially to those who lack formal schooling and literacy, and have to be made part of any post-conflict situation education programs.
A rights-based approach means we need to look at the six EFA goals together or as a chain, rather than taking any one of them separately.
The six EFA goals are early childhood education, universal completion of free primary education, appropriate learning for youths and adults, gender equality, 50 per cent improvement in adult literacy, and ensuring quality education, which are the same areas that should be delivered by government as a matter of right to education.
These goals are also taken upon by civil society groups and child friendly organizations working in Mindanao.
The effort reflects the principle that no one should be left behind in terms of accessing quality basic education services - in formal or alternative learning system.
Basic issues have to address though. A review of the EFA Plan shows that gender issues were not highlighted owing to the fact that boys were at a great disadvantage in terms of retention and achievement levels. Still, it is a concern that should be explored.
There is also a need to advocate for the institutionalization of Alternative Learning System in terms of financial support, since its budget allocation from the government is very limited. The critical tasks outlined in the National EFA plan need additional funding for the ALS program.
Another area that should be looked into is the off-school experiences of children and adults involved in the ALS. There is a strong link between formal and alternative learning system in the community, which makes it important for communities to be informed in the alternative program.
The ALS program is for the children and adults who want to avail of education but can not get it through the formal school system because of the circumstances that they are in.
