Ayala Foundation launches code/it program in Manila
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:48:21 +0000
Ayala Foundation signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education-City of Manila division and Asian Terminals Inc. to implement Ayala Foundation’s <code/it> program in Manila’s 73 public elementary schools.
code/it is a digital literacy learning program conceptualized by Ayala Foundation to introduce basic computer science and coding concepts to public schoolchildren at an early age.
To help bridge the digital divide in many communities in developing countries like the Philippines, Ayala Foundation piloted the code/it program in 12 schools earlier this year and is now ready to scale up the program on the to national level, starting with the country’s capital city.
Ayala Foundation believes that every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to learn digital skills that will be relevant in the workplace of tomorrow. Through a public-private partnership, Ayala Foundation found like-minded partners in the Office of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, DepEd-Manila, and ATI.
The Department of Education has approved the code/it learning modules for integration into the Grades 3-6 classroom curriculum of participating public schools. Aside from developing students’ basic coding skills, the project also aims to help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, creativity, and innovation.
In addition to capacity building for the teachers, the project also provides the laptops and other tools to convert concepts into a practical and engaging learning experience.
“It is a privilege for Ayala Foundation to continue our strong partnership with the City of Manila, especially in promoting access to quality education,” said Ayala Foundation president Ruel Maranan.
“Give importance to your studies because not everyone has the opportunity to go to school. It is only through education that you can have a bright future. No one will take care of our children here in Manila except us who are also Manila’s children,” said Moreno.
“This is our time to shine. This is the time to be part of the change. We may not change the whole world, but together, we commit to make a difference,” said Dr. Jenilyn Corpuz, superintendent, DepEd Manila.