Including the excluded : assessing alternative education approaches for displaced adolescents in Zamboanga city, Philippines

Abstract

This thesis centers on the agency and participation of displaced adolescents in alternative education. As education is neglected in displacement and disaster response, displaced adolescents are particularly at risk of abuse and human rights violations. Adolescents are commonly excluded in decision-making processes, and programming for internally displaced persons remain unexplored in research and literature. In realizing the vital role placed on education and adolescents by the Philippine state, this study explores a human-rights based approach to analyze the design and implementation of alternative educational programs for displaced adolescents in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Findings reveal several systemic and structural challenges in the overall educational system which impede on the progress and development of the displaced adolescents. Socioeconomic and sociocultural barriers also contribute to the difficulties faced by the displaced in education and employment. Overall, this thesis provides a better comprehension of the experiences of adolescents with approaches used in alternative education in displacement. IMPLICATION OF THE THESIS: The discussion provides an impetus for sustained research on the involvement of displaced adolescents in programs and their access to education. Policy makers and program implementers for alternative education and adolescents should consider inclusive evaluation and systemic modification of the programs in order to effectively address the needs of the displaced adolescents and out-of-school youth, especially in employment. Scholars may elaborate on the effectiveness of recent development in the alternative learning system of the Philippines in promoting the human rights of the displaced adolescents. Further studies may also explore the issues faced by other groups within the displaced and out-of-school population like teenage mothers and children in conflict with the law.