Bridging Hope: RRCY-CAR and CCDC-CTE Forge Partnership to Empower Literacy for Children in Conflict With the Law

“Education is non-negotiable. Let us not deny them their basic right. If we are able to transform even one child through education, then that would already be a great achievement.”

These powerful words from Rojhelea An Marie Claur, Center Head of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY–CAR), echo the global call of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, emphasizing that inclusive and equitable learning opportunities must extend to all—especially to children in conflict with the law who are among the most vulnerable.

With this vision, RRCY–CAR partnered with the College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) to uplift academic literacy and enhance the learning confidence of the youth under its care. This initiative also strongly supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it bridges learning gaps and ensures that marginalized learners are not left behind.

On December 10, 2025, an orientation was conducted by Jaypee M. Nuñez, Center Nurse of RRCY–CAR. Present during the activity were Dr. Juvy O. Baso, Dean of CTE; Dr. Arlene A. Palasico, Program Coordinator for BSED English and General Education Language; Jeff J. Abanag, Program Coordinator for BSED Mathematics and General Education Math; Marfrelyn Angyatao, Program Coordinator for BTLED and General Education TLE; Laurence L. Ablaza, Program Coordinator for Social Studies and General Education Social Studies; and Madel L. Telesforo, CTE Office Assistant, along with the participating pre-service teachers. Their active participation underscores SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating how strong collaboration between government institutions and educational organizations can foster meaningful and sustainable social impact.

This collaboration marks the first deployment of CTE pre-service teachers to RRCY–CAR for internship, a pioneering step toward community-rooted, inclusive education. Prior to their deployment, the pre-service teachers underwent a comprehensive orientation facilitated by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel from the regional office in Baguio City. This preparation ensures they are equipped with the proper approaches, sensitivity, and protocols needed when working with children in conflict with the law—further contributing to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which advocates for the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable youth.

This initiative is under the L.I.G.H.T (Literacy Integration and Guided Holistic Tutoring) Program, a transformative learning designed to support both the academic and personal development of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) housed at the DSWD–Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, and in line with CCDC’s curriculum-based community engagements. The L.I.G.H.T Program reinforces the partnership’s commitment to providing meaningful, compassionate, and rights-based education for every learner.

Apalasico/2025