Growing up in Cebu, education wasn’t just a privilege; it was the susi-the key-to unlocking a better future. But even then, the stark reality was that many of my kaubanan (peers) faced a steep uphill battle to access quality education. The struggles were real, and sadly, they persist. That’s why initiatives like the MultiplY-Ed project, a collaboration between the Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) and G-Watch Philippines, spark a flicker of hope within me. It’s about empowering young Filipinos, giving them the reins to shape their education and demanding accountability from those in power.

Philippine Education: Time for a Change

Our education system is at a crossroads, riddled with persistent issues. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and deep-seated inequalities-especially exacerbated by the recent pandemic- paint a grim picture. Marginalized youth, particularly those from rural areas or low-income families, are often left behind, deprived of quality learning materials, qualified teachers, and even basic infrastructure. This isn’t just about dry statistics; it’s about real lives, dreams that are being crushed. We need radical solutions, and more importantly, the active involvement of young people themselves to steer meaningful change.

Meet CYAN and G-Watch: Champions of Accountability

Before we dive deeper into the MultiplY-Ed Project, let’s meet the driving forces behind it: CYAN and G-Watch Philippines. Think of them as the dynamic duo fighting for education reform.

CYAN: Empowering Youth Voices

The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) is all about empowering young people to become catalysts for positive change. Their mission? Youth leadership development, civic engagement, and advocating for policies that put young Filipinos first. They’ve been at the forefront of numerous initiatives, from pushing for youth representation in local government to championing youth entrepreneurship.

G-Watch: Guardians of Transparency

G-Watch Philippines is a social accountability movement that stands for transparency and good governance. They keep a watchful eye on government projects and services, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and fairly. Their work spans across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and, of course, education.

A Powerful Partnership

The partnership between CYAN and G-Watch is a force to be reckoned with. It combines the passion and energy of young advocates with the expertise and experience of a social accountability watchdog. Together, they’re creating a powerful wave of change in the education sector.

MultiplY-Ed Project: Youth Taking the Lead

Also known as X-Ed, the MultiplY-Ed Project is a youth-led initiative that involves multiple sectors and aims to monitor education policies and service delivery. It’s not just about identifying problems; it’s about empowering young people to be part of the solution. This project aims to tackle key challenges in education governance, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and equal access to quality education, particularly for marginalized youth. Picture this: young Filipinos equipped with the knowledge and skills to analyze education budgets, monitor school construction projects, and advocate for policies that truly benefit students. That’s the heart of MultiplY-Ed.

The project’s foundation lies in social accountability principles. It involves training young people on how to monitor education programs, conduct research, and engage with policymakers. This empowers them to become active participants in shaping the future of Philippine education. It’s about moving beyond simply being recipients of the system and becoming active agents of change.

Addressing Challenges for Marginalized Youth

The pandemic threw a harsh light on the existing inequalities in our education system. Marginalized youth have been disproportionately impacted by school closures, lack of access to online learning, and economic hardships. The MultiplY-Ed Project directly addresses these challenges by focusing on:

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Advocating for policies that ensure equal access to technology and internet connectivity for all students.
• Supporting Alternative Learning: Promoting innovative approaches to education that cater to the diverse needs of learners, especially those in remote areas.
• Ensuring Access to Quality Materials: Monitoring the distribution of textbooks and other resources to make sure they reach the students who need them most.
• Promoting Inclusive Education: Advocating for policies that address the specific needs of students with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

These aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re concrete steps towards building a fairer and more inclusive education system for all Filipino youth.

Empowering Stakeholders: Social Accountability Training

A critical element of the MultiplY-Ed Project is the Social Accountability and Vertical Integration Training, facilitated by CYAN and G-Watch. This training equips stakeholders-students, parents, teachers, and local government officials-with the knowledge and skills to monitor education programs and push for policy changes. It’s about creating a network of informed and engaged citizens who are committed to improving education governance.

The training covers a variety of topics, including:

• Understanding the Philippine education system and its challenges.
• Applying social accountability tools and techniques, such as citizen report cards and participatory budgeting.
• Engaging with policymakers and advocating for policy changes.
• Building coalitions and networks to amplify their voices.

The impact of this training is profound. It empowers stakeholders to hold their elected officials accountable, demand transparency in the use of public funds, and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of students. It’s about shifting the power dynamic and ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are heard.

Join the Movement: Support the MultiplY-Ed Project

The MultiplY-Ed Project is a shining example of the power of youth-led initiatives and the importance of social accountability in transforming our education system. But it needs the support of the wider community to truly succeed. As a Bisaya and a Filipino, I believe that every child deserves access to quality education. I urge educators, policymakers, youth advocates, and concerned citizens to:

• Learn more about the MultiplY-Ed Project and its goals.
• Support CYAN and G-Watch Philippines in their efforts to promote social accountability in education.
• Engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of students.
• Empower young people to become active participants in shaping the future of Philippine education.

Together, we can create a more equitable and accountable education system that empowers all Filipino youth to reach their full potential. Let’s work together to make the susi accessible to every child, opening doors to a brighter future for our nation.