schoolscolleges2020 hed news

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TECH-VOC EDUCATION. Olivia Lim of XU ALGCIT explains to the learners the similarities and differences of the various types of testers and their uses for maximum efficiency. Photo by Edchelle Rellama.

Text by Edchelle Rellama, NSP Volunteer-teacher

The Xavier Ateneo Night School Program (NSP) strives to provide adequate learning opportunities among the Alternative Learning System (ALS) students through different experiential learning activities. To this end, 22 NSP-ALS learners joined the educational tour in select institutions in Cagayan de Oro City on October 17.

The activity provided the learners the opportunity to widen their perspectives through interactions with professionals and experts, to acquire the basic knowledge of the functions of the government agencies, and to use the lessons in their own lives.

The tour started at the Xavier Ateneo Biology laboratories where they were introduced to the different species preserved through various methods. They also had the chance to see and operate some of the laboratory equipment.

They also came to learn some historical narratives and see the creative works of local artists during the history of Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro tour, facilitated by Oscar Floirendo, curator of the Museo de Oro.

They visited the laboratories of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and learned the scientific and technological researches and developments of the government agency. The assigned chemist explained and demonstrated the different functions of the laboratory equipment.

The ALS learners were also able to observe the actual demonstration of the welding class at the workstation of the Asia and the Pacific Technical Skills Development Center Inc, the first pipefitting school in Mindanao with TESDA NC II in the Philippines (pipefitting training in the Philippines). The center provides “quality technical-vocational education to hone the talents and skills of Filipinos to become world-class workforce.”

XU tech-voc faculty member Oliva E Lim facilitated the orientation and campus tour at the Xavier Ateneo Andrew L Gotianun Sr Center for Integrated Technologies (ALGCIT) where she introduced the facilities for Mechanical Design and Fabrication, Automotive Servicing, Computer Electronics Technology and Energy and Power System programs. It was an opportunity for the NSP learners to get to know the advantages of the ALGCIT program and how to avail of the scholarship offered to competent yet financially disadvantaged youth.

“Dako ang natabang sa ako ang field trip kay gina-look down ra nako akong self, mas natagaan ko og gana sa pagpadayon sa pag-eskwela," shared Antonio David Alba, NSP learner. "Gusto ko makahuman sa bartending na course.”

Another NSP learner Rogie Labadan added, “Gusto kong mag-aral at magpatuloy sa kolehiyo para makapagtrabaho para maging isang mabuting ehemplo sa mga napariwang batang Pilipino.”

The Cagayan de Oro Technical Vocational Institute (CDOTVI) and CDO Bugo School of Arts & Trades (COBSAT) gave the NSP learners the opportunity to identify their interest in technical-vocational courses and motivated them to upgrade their skills with new knowledge and technologies.

Through the courses offered like Carpentry NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Bartending NC II, to Bread/Pastry Production NC II, Masonry NC II, and other technical courses, these institutions can help more youth to develop their skills, build their confidence, and obtain a decent job in the future.

“My plan for my future is to pass the ALS A&E exam,” said Jennifer Pabillore, an NSP learner. “I want to enroll in caregiving and work abroad. Thanks to all people behind this program for giving us the courage to pursue our dreams in life.”∎

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BIOLOGY LAB. Xavier Atene NSP Learners learn the process of mitosis in animal and plant cells through the use of a microscope. Photo by Edchelle Rellama.

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OPPORTUNITY. The XU NSP learners strike a pose with the Cagayan de Oro Technical Vocational (TVI) staff headed by the deputy executive director Dr Romeo del Rosario. Photo by Edchelle Rellama

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CURIOSITY. XU NSP learners listen attentively to the orientation and demonstration of ALGCIT’s Olivia Lim during the campus tour.  Photo by Jett Torres

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NEW LEARNING. Museo de Oro curator Oscar E Floirendo explains the historical account of the Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro to the XU NSP learners. Photo by Jett Torres

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WEAVING DREAMS. Xavier Ateneo NSP learner Mario Luzano sketches his personal reflection after the educational tour.  He is motivated to pursue his dream of becoming a professional someday with the help of the program and his family.