GLAFJENHS’ KALINGA – Caring for Learners Who Need It Most

Abstract

In a young school division (SDO Gen. Trias was established in 2018), Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs) needed schools to embrace them and provide an environment for their learning. LSENs in the Elementary level were catered to by a program in Manggahan Elementary School but had no Junior High School to move up to. Gov. Luis A. Ferrer, Jr. East National High School (GLAFJENHS) heeded this call by developing programs for Learners with Disabilities (LWDs) and LSENs. Under the banner program Project KALINGA (Key Alternative Learning Interventions for LSENs to Nurture and empower them to Grow Academically and Adaptive in learning competencies and curriculum), teachers and staff alike were empowered through seminars to teach classes where LSENs were integrated, as the school also developed infrastructure to allow as much access as possible for those with mobility needs. GLAFJENHS also worked and still works with community and industry partners and stakeholders for in-school and out-of-school programs that provide care, socialization, and competition among its LSENs. The school continues to develop programs to assist learners with various special needs in its drive to provide the best possible service to all its learners and the community.