Bridging Social Inequality through Accessibility and Equal

OpportunityA Case Study of Alternative Learning System

in a Local Rehabilitation Center

Edwin F. LinesesDe La Salle University-Dasmarinas

Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Philippineseflineses@dlsud.edu.ph

The Background

• Accessibility in education is guaranteed by the existing laws of the Philippines

• However social inequality transcends… and even in the realm of education (Lucas, 1975)

• Without a comprehensive intervention the systemic inequality will be reinforced by time. Equality and equal opportunity issues shall prevail

The Background

• This case study focuses on the issues of equality and accessibility in education in the context of a local rehabilitation center.

• Triangulation is employed to gather the data using anthropological techniques (Spradley, 1980; MacMillan, 2008; Wolcott, 1988)

The Setting

The Challenges

• Discontinuity between the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program objectives and the inmates’ motives for participation

• Disruption in the program happened to some inmates who were released prior to the culmination of the program

The Challenges

• Diverse resources constraints posed concerns on the sustainability issues of the program

• The constraints included space, • accessibility of materials, and • decreasing number of teacher volunteers.

Policy Recommendations

• Structural adjustments in the physical facilities of the rehabilitation center;

• Close supervision and monitoring of the program;

• Adequate orientation for participants; and

• Involvement of other government or non-government agencies for further support of the program.

What Lies Ahead

• The program of ALS is just an initial attempt to provide equal opportunity in education

• There is still much to be done before equality in education can be achieved in the context of the marginalized sectors of the society.

Conclusion

• Accessibility in education in jails is an attempt to recognize equal opportunities in schooling that “seek to enhance social mobility within structures which are essentially unequal” (Cole & Hill, 1999)

• “The objective should be equality not [just] equal opportunities” (Lucas, 1975). Education in jail is an equal opportunity in education… and just the beginning of equality

Bridging Social Inequality through Accessibility and Equal

OpportunityA Case Study of Alternative Learning System

in a Local Rehabilitation Center

Edwin F. LinesesDe La Salle University-Dasmarinas

Dasmarinas City, Cavite, Philippineseflineses@dlsud.edu.ph