After two years of learning from home through modules and behind computer screens, learners and teachers across the country look forward to the reopening of face-to-face classes.

As the country eases out of the pandemic and more schools are given the greenlight to hold face-to-face classes, schools are hard at work preparing for the safe reopening of classes.

To support the safe reopening of schools, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) partnered with the Global School Leaders (GSL) for the delivery of content and modules of GSL’s Upya Program. “Upya,” a Kiswahili term for renewal, aims to enable school leaders to lead effectively through a crisis.

The Upya Program contains three modules, these include the School Reopening for School Heads program, focused on equipping and preparing school heads in the safe reopening of schools by sharing best practices; the Technology for Learning and Management for School Heads program, focused on introducing  various learning technologies for synchronous and asynchronous learning to school heads; and the Emergency Remote and Blended Teaching for Teachers program, focused on supporting teachers in their remote and blended teaching journey and supporting them in developing an emergency teaching-learning plan.

RAFI EDU, in partnership with the RAFI Center of Leaders (RAFI CFL), modified the Upya Program modules and developed more localized versions of the modules—making these more relevant to the Filipino school heads and teachers. Last June 14 to 16, 2022, a group of school heads and teachers from the DepEd Cebu South Districts have attended the beta course implementation.

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“It is very nice to be able to participate in this training because it helps me grow. As school heads, we too require this kind of training where we can express ourselves,” shared Mary Lady C. Uytico, Principal 1 of Julian Enad Memorial NHS, Sibonga. Uytico participated in the School Reopening and Technology for Learning and Management modules. A total of 12 school heads and 9 teachers from Department of Education Cebu South District Schools participated in the pioneer module rollout.

“This is one of the best trainings (we’ve ever had). All those (activities) are very relevant to our jobs as school leaders and as mentors,” added Imelda Gealon, Argao 1 & 2 Public Schools District Supervisor.

To ensure relevant content and delivery of the modified Upya program, RAFI EDU is working closely with the pioneer batch of teachers for feedback and areas of improvement. Once beta testing and module refinement are completed, full rollout of the program will begin.

“We look forward to supporting our school communities in the safe reopening of schools. The RAFI Education Development Unit is committed to helping build a thriving community of school leaders who are responsive to the rapid changing education landscape and are ready to welcome our learners in their respective schools,” said Sheerene Abrea, Officer-in-Charge of the RAFI Education Development Unit.

RAFI EDU aims to train 100 school leaders and 100 schoolteachers, impacting over 25,000 learners in Cebu South.