Taking the road to success: from ALS graduate to student midwife

Sahada Malao, a 20-year-old resident of Maguindanao del Sur, started her own family at a younger age than most. This left her with no choice but to drop out of school. Consequently, pursuing education became her lowest priority as she had to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother.

However, her desire to pursue her education never waned. She mentioned that her child fueled her ambition to seek out alternative learning opportunities. She then made the brave decision to continue her studies through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) despite early challenges.

“I realized that studying through ALS would help me continue to pursue my dreams for my daughter,” Sahada said.

Despite facing challenges, she managed to balance her roles as a mother, a learner, and a dreamer. With the support of her family and the guidance of mentors, she later completed her junior and senior high school education in 2019 through the ALS.

ALS has provided second-chance learning for out-of-school youth and adults throughout the country for the past few decades.

As defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), ALS is “a non-formal education that can cover programs contributing to adult and youth literacy, education for out-of-school children, as well as programs on life skills, work skills, and social or cultural development.”

The ALS program consists of the Basic Literacy Program (BLP), which aims to eradicate illiteracy, and the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program, which targets independent learners who did not complete formal elementary or junior high school levels. Learners can earn official certificates equivalent to formal school diplomas if they pass the A&E exams.

In Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), around 6, 000 learners from remote areas where schools are non-existent, too far, or under the threat of armed conflict enrolled in ALS.

With a spirit of strong determination and unwavering support from the Bangsamoro’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education through the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (MBHTE-BALS) Program, Sahada not only earned her diploma but also opened up a world of opportunities and possibilities for her future.

“As a woman committed to education, I completed my secondary education through the MBHT-BALS program and showed that we can also contribute to our personal development,” Sahada said.

Despite the hurdles she encountered, Sahada remained steadfast in her determination to achieve her goals—she did not give up.

“You can still study even if you have a family of your own. Through the ALS program, I became a college student pursuing a midwifery course,” Sahada shared.

“Because of my passion to achieve my dream, the word ‘hard’ is not in the vocabulary of a person with dreams despite financial difficulties,” she said.

Today, Sahada is an intern in her midwifery course at VMC Asian College Foundation, Inc. in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Her story serves as a reminder that barriers are meant to be overcome, and success knows no bounds when fueled by passion and the choice to write one’s story of success and empowerment.

“Through the ALS program in BARMM, I was able to continue my education, and I am now a midwifery trainee. I continue to pursue my dreams and embark on a new chapter of my life,” she said.

In one of his speeches, Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said, “This [ALS] plays a vital role in eliminating educational inequalities in the region. Each ALS graduate’s success story is a reminder that no obstacle is too big to overcome.”

BARMM’s education ministry, along with concerned stakeholders, is addressing the challenge of Bangsamoro communities in grassroots areas, particularly for the vulnerable.

“We must expand alternative learning opportunities to meet the needs of those unable to attend formal schools. With the help of our local government, let us expand community learning centers and ALS implementers in every location, barangay, and corner of the Bangsamoro Region,” he added.

Sahada stands as a beacon of hope for young mothers, showcasing the strength and perseverance of women in pursuing their dreams.

She shared, “Being a young mother is not an obstacle to continuing your studies. Use your experiences as inspiration for success in the future.”

Her narrative is proof that the Government of the Day is committed to providing inclusive, responsive, and quality services for women, youth, and indigent sectors of the community. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)