"We give children a chance to go to school."
The Kindergarten program
The Unschooled program
Our approach
"Prepare the children from age 4-5 years for entry into the public educational system. "
Since 2018, HALMS has been funding a kindergarten class for children living in the South Side dump, San Pedro, Manila.
Through an innovative partnership with Birthright, this satellite class offers a ministry-recognized kindergarten program that allows children to access the public education system once the level is reached.
The pedagogical approach in a small group of 14 children is personalized and fully adapted to the reality of children. Ways of doing this make it possible to catch up with basic learning and ensure the sustainable integration of what has been achieved.
For example, our program includes learning to read in order to better prepare children for the passage through the public system.
They provide opportunities for developing all aspects of each student as they grow and an educational program specific to the needs of our students that are relevant for public school entry and graduation.
"A complete program to help catch up with the curriculum until they graduate."
In June 2014, in a modest and safe environment, HALMS welcomed a dozen out-of-school youths, aged 13 to 16, excluded from the traditional school system.
For some, it was the first time they had attended school. For others, they had been away from school for over two years. These youths had all been evaluated with the most being assessed with a kindergarten and/or grade 1 level.
One of the outstanding features of the HALMS’ unschooled program, in addition to receiving education that incorporates healthy living, personal hygiene and a balanced diet, is that HALMS offers these youths a complete program to help catch up with the curriculum until they graduate.
When these young adults receive their diploma, they have the opportunity to access better quality jobs giving them and their families a glimmer of hope for a prosperous future.
Without formal education, they are confined to a life in the dumpsite and reduced to low-paying income perpetuating the vicious circle of extreme poverty and vices such as drugs and alcohol.
In June 2017, 50% of grade 6 students successfully completed their curriculum. As of May 2018, with the confidence gleaned and the experience to persevere and achieve a high school diploma, these six youths had chosen to further pursue their educational development through the Alternative Learning System (“ALS”), offered by the Department of Education (DEPED).
HALMS continues to support these youths even after they are admitted into the local public school network.
HALMS also offers postgraduate courses in Computer Literacy, Mathematics and English to perfect their knowledge and ensure sustenance and perseverance in their post high school aspiration.
"A welcome and caring approach."
Embodied in the HALMS mission statement are the values of community and family.
At HALMS we believe a welcome and caring approach builds a foundation of trust for our students and this trust helps to develop self-esteem and confidence.
The experience leave a lasting impression on our students and fuel them to learn and work harder in order to achieve success. HALMS gives students hope for the future.
Addition to the program
In addition to receiving education that incorporates healthy living, personal hygiene and a balanced diet, HALMS offers these youths a complete program to help catch up with the curriculum until they graduate.
HALMS also offer to the students and their families the support to maintain motivation, perseverance and academic success.
Accommodation is offered to children who feel threatened or unsafe in their own homes.
