Community Extension: Literacy and Numeracy Enhancement Program for Alternative Learning System and Out-Of-School Youth Learners

Abstract

This descriptive study was mainly focused on evaluating the effect of the literacy and numeracy enhancement program on the learning achievements of deprived individuals in two selected locales of Tacurong City, the Philippines. Key participants included 6 ALS learners composed of 3 Muslims and 3 non-Muslims who were residents of the Islamic Center, Barangay Población. Moreover, 10 out-of-school youth (OSY) of Barangay New Isabela took part in the activity. Initially, the implementers prepared their teaching aids and the assessment tool intended for the participants’ pretest and post-test. The study was carried out over 6 months through a weekly face-to-face casual session. Results of the pretest and posttest were statistically treated using a simple mean and t-test. Data analyses showed that both ALS and OSY groups have gained scores in the posttest that are relatively higher than that in the pretest. Outcomes in both literacy and numeracy program are encouraging and comparable. The result implied that the program also improved the implementers professionally and socially as a result of their engagements with some actors in the community. Given the limitations of the study, it is highly suggested that the program would be sustained by targeting a larger number of participants.