Twenty seven Muslim detainees received their Certificates of Completion and declared as pioneering batch of the 1st ALS-ALIVE (Alternative Learning School - Arabic Language & Islamic Values Education) Program at Sindangan Jail District, Bitoon, Zamboanga del Norte last Wednesday, July 26.
Talib I. Hashim, 58, detainee for four years and one of the completers expressed that in his situation, he wasn’t expecting that his dream of going to school will be realized.
“My knowledge in Arabic language broadened,” Emlan added stressing the importance of both secular and Islamic Education regardless of age and conditions.
The said program gave free Arabic Literacy under the Literacy, Livelihood and Employment for ALS-ALIVE Learners and Detainees (LEAD) – a modular, ladderized, non-formal education. This was initiated by the Education Program Specialist for ALS, Ustadz Yusoph A. Dauh.
Dauh articulated his happiness and blissfulness in extending help especially to the deprived out-of-school youth, adults and detainees.
“I have actually started the program to two communities which is now extended to 23 more for a matter of one and a half years operation,” Dauh confessed.
Sharing the news that Regional Director Borres had already presented the said program to the central office during MANCON, Dauh hoped that this will be supported by the government agencies.
Meanwhile, Sindangan Jail Warden, J/SINP Atty. Mashur S. Sala supported the detainees. Through the implementation of the LEAD Program and partnership with TESDA, the completers underwent Livelihood Skill Training and also received National Certficate II for Masonry.
The Completion Ceremony was witnessed by Education Program Specialists for ALS Rorich Y. Saura, Hja. Sarakiya C. Hamin, and Ma. Grace Kim Sindangan Vice-Mayor Dr. Bess P. Jagonio, Sindangan Jail District Warden Jail Senior Inspector Mashur S. Sala, Div. EPS/ALS Focal Person Dr. Leynie Boy Z. Billeno, District ALS Coordinator Mary Ann Lecciones, ALS-ALIVE Implementer Ustadz Mizal Ringuit and Mobile Teacher Zitho Calumpang