WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM OR ALS?

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education.

A viable alternative to the existing formal education system, ALS encompasses both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. As a second chance education program, it aims to empower OSYA learners to continue learning in a manner, time and place suitable to their preference and circumstances, and for them to achieve their goals of improving their quality of life and becoming productive contributors to society.

In 2016, the ALS Program began undergoing reforms as part of strengthening, intensifying, and expanding its implementation. Three years of consultation, review and development of policies, training, and evaluation with partners in the government, local and international non-government agencies, and civil society organizations led to the finalization of the enhanced ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, the development of the ALS Program 2.0, and the rollout of the five-year ALS 2.0 Strategic Roadmap.