A Study of Policies and Programmes in the Philippines Addressing the Right of Street Children to Education
Henry Ruiz
Childhope Asia Philippines
E-mail: chap@childhope.org.ph

This study aims to document policies and programs addressing the right of street children in the Philippines to education in order to advocate for improved learning opportunities for them at the national level. The study covered five schools providing basic education to street children delivered in a non-formal mode.

The case studies yielded findings and conclusions articulating some of the good practices in planning and implementing non-formal education program. They revealed some of the practices that need to be reviewed and changed to make the schools more effectively inclusive, rights-based, gender-responsive, culture-sensitive, participatory, relevant to the needs of disadvantaged learners and sustainable.

The recommendation revolved around challenging the Government of the Philippines (GOP), particularly the Department of Education (DepEd) to seriously pin down the social and economic barriers to education and come up with concrete programs to address these barriers. Particular focus must be given to "un-reached children" or children in need of special protection (CNSP).