DepEd-ARMM gets Aussie aide for Brigada Eskwela

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=891425
• Friday, June 3, 2016

(PNA), JMC/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, June 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) on Thursday get a needed boost for school year 2016-2017 with an Australian government grant amounting to PHP8.9 million, officials said.

Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM regional secretary, said the amount will be used for the rehabilitation of more than 270 public schools and more than 50 Madaris (Islamic school).

He said this package is a support by the Australian government through Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM) Program in this year's "Brigada Eskwela."

Dozens of local government-accredited Madaris schools scattered in the region’s five provinces are under the supervision of DepEd-ARMM.

Magno explained that under the BEAM-ARMM program, public schools received tables, chairs, teaching guides and learning devices to selected schools that are to open soon for school year 2016-2017.

"Brigada Eskwela" is an annual one-week school maintenance program aimed at preparing the school for class opening.

It solicited help from parents and well meaning individuals who may donate or contribute materials for school rehabilitation and repainting.

Aside from parents, volunteer police and soldiers have been providing manpower for the school preparation and beautification.

This year's "Brigada Eskwela" theme is “Tayo sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos, at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School.”

The DepEd regional secretary said the week-long activity is promoting the traditional "Bayanihan" or volunteerism spirit among students and school stakeholders.