The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with ScienceKonek, a youth-led media organization, for the launching of a new science education program for children and the youth in DSWD-managed centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and ScienceKonek founding president Ralph Lauren Abainza are expected to seal the agreement on Monday (August 4) at the DSWD’s Central Office in Quezon City.
“Alinsunod sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na bigyang prayoridad ang mga kabataan, maagap na tinutukan ng DSWD ang mga kabataan, lalo na ang mga nasa loob ng residential care facilities, para mabigyan sila ng angkop na programa at serbisyo, lalo’t higit sa pagpapa-unlad ng kanilang kakayahan,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said on Friday (August 1).
Asst Secretary Dumlao said the partnership will roll out the Youth Science Discovery Program (YSDP) in 31 DSWD-managed facilities for older children and youngsters nationwide, helping the vulnerable youth explore the world of science through interactive learning.
The program will feature hands-on science workshops, training, interactive science activities, and mentorship, according to the DSWD spokesperson.
Alongside the youth clients, ScienceKonek will also empower and upskill the personnel from the CRCFs to help continue the learning activities in the long run.
“Lagi nating sinasabi, ang kailangan ng mga kabataan natin sa residential care facilities ay ang mabigyan ng pagkakataong maabot pa rin ang kanilang full potential. The DSWD is grateful to ScienceKonek and other partner organizations which extend their assistance and partake in our mandate to steward these youths to development,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
The partnership with ScienceKonek is part of the DSWD’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the vulnerable youth and children in need of special protection (CNSP) are given the right interventions to help lead them as the country’s future nation builders. (YADP)