Published 13 Mar 2025in
E-Net Philippines and Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE) initiated and supported the YAR on Combating Racism and Identity-Based Discrimination in Education. Led by eight Ayta Youth Researchers, the initiative focused on identifying various challenges faced by Ayta learners in Zambales, in accessing education due to their physical, psychosocial development, and socioeconomic status. It also aims to gather recommendations for enhancing Indigenous Peoples (IPs) education, propose changes to educational institutions, and ensure that IPs’ rights to inclusive, equitable, and quality education, tailored to their culture, needs, and identity as Ayta, are upheld. This initiative included training, meetings, and a youth camp to gather data from students, including Ayta learners from junior high school, senior high school, college, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) across different educational institutions. The researchers presented the process, result, and recommendation of the YAR in Botolan, Zambales, inviting stakeholders from both formal and non-formal education sectors. After the publication of the YAR, it was reported that more young people were inspired to remain in school and avoid dropping out due to bullying or financial difficulties. The primary beneficiaries of these changes were the indigenous students, who gained confidence, emotional support, and a stronger sense of belonging. In the long term, an education system that is more equitable and respectful of cultural diversity is envisioned for the Ayta community as a whole. The research was also presented at the Regional Strategic Planning Workshop on November 25, 2024 in Da Nang, Vietnam.
2024 SPACE
