MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) - European Union (EU) Head of Delegation to the Philippine Ambassador Luc Veron underscored the need to give special attention to Madrasahs and other non-formal schools to enhance the sustainability of quality and safe education system in the Bangsamoro region. 

Veron said school-age children not enrolled in government schools are mostly in Madrasahs which only a few are currently accredited by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) due to lack of formal academy curriculum and trained professional teachers. 

According to him, when the children finish their education in Madrasahs, they cannot move to formal schools and have very limited opportunities for further studies. 

"We need to put attention to this now if we want children to fulfill their dreams and build the nation in the future, he further said. 

Veron visited Marawi on Thursday, November 18, to lead the turnover of school furniture to Sagonsongan Temporary Learning Shelter as part of Project Sindao funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The project seeks to contribute to improving the access to quality and protective education and child protection services in Mindanao.

Before his Marawi visit, the EU Ambassador had a dialogue with student-residents of Darul Fitya Littahfidel Qur-an,  a madrasah/toril in Pantar, Lanao del Norte, supported by Project Sindao. He also handed over handwashing facility and gardening tools to the toril management. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)