Kalinga-Crossover Mission (in partnership with the Department of Education and Baguio Health Department)
proudly presents its maiden class of Alternative Learning System graduates, the Class of 2009!
proudly presents its maiden class of Alternative Learning System graduates, the Class of 2009!
ALS Graduation Class of 2009 with Team Shekinah members, Kalinga-Crossover teachers and administrators, and Baguio City dignitaries
Similar to the American GED program, Alternative Learning System (ALS) offers those who have not completed their elementary or high school education a chance to obtain an equivalent degree. Many of this first batch of students were rescued GROs, drop-outs employed doing physical labor, a young married mother, and a mother of college graduates. We’re so proud of all 12 of the graduates for their diligent studies despite personal challenges in their lives. We also are incredibly grateful to the passionate and dedicated teachers, who tirelessly tutored students outside of class and encouraged the emotional and spiritual well-beng of their students.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Rebecca, Brenda, and I have the joy and privilege of teaching English, Math, and Science to the second batch of ALS students. With over 20 students registered ranging in ages from 15 to 47, we have a diverse student body with varying strengths and stories. However, during a recent writing exercise I assigned, I became intimately aware of similar themes of the importance of their families. Multiple students commented that they were happiest when they were with their mothers. Some of their mothers are streetwalkers, others are domestic help in other countries, and still others abandoned them or left them in the care of extended relatives. Many students also commented that they were sad when their mother was absent, when their parents fought, or when their siblings hurt them. One student even commented that he felt sad when his grandmother passed away recently, but didn’t know how to express his emotions. While each of these students has a wide range of emotions, their emotions are well-hidden and disguised in their tough “I don’t care” attitudes and are cooly masked with humor.
The Alternative Learning System is not merely an alternative diploma or degree. It is a beacon of hope that shows students that their teachers care, that they matter, and that God has a future planned for them. ALS reaches beyond the academic material, to the heart matters, and draws out students in their strengths and creativity. These students have stories of resilience, compassion, and hope. While their tough act masks an internal mercy, I am not fooled by their persona. God sees their heart and He says “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11. These students are given a fresh chance to turn their lives around, to be qualified for employment, and to write a different story from those of generations past. Through the Alternative Learning System, they are taught livelihood skills and given a dignified alternative to support themselves financially. Most importantly, students are deemed worthy and lovingly supported to believe in their potential, nurture their spirit, and taught to dream again.
