27 October 2015, 3:10 pm – THE
UNIVERSITY’S Junior High School (JHS) has been selected as a member of a
regional network of schools aimed at raising standards and promoting
partnerships.
The
Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), which is marking
its 50th year, has formed a networking platform for schools dubbed “SEAMEO 50×3
Schools’ Network,” which gathers 50 primary, secondary and vocational schools
for each Southeast Asian country.
The UST-JHS
was one of 23 secondary schools in the Philippines selected as part of the
inter-regional network of schools named the “SEAMEO School Network of Sharing
and Development.”
Other
Philippine secondary schools in the network include the University of the East
Secondary Laboratory School, C. Arellano High School, La Salle University
Integrated School of Ozamiz and Universidad de Santa Isabel in Naga City.
Thirteen
primary schools and 18 technical and vocational schools from the Philippines
are also linked to the network.
UST-JHS
Principal Marishirl Tropicales said joining the project was part of the
University’s internationalization efforts and was aimed at preparing students
for the integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“The
network could help us form international partnerships that can aid in
strengthening education goals through the sharing of best practices, teacher
and student exchange programs, and cultural immersion,” Tropicales said in an
email to the Varsitarian.
Tropicales
said the network of schools would provide “diverse educational practices” that could
improve education standards.
“[I]t could widen and deepen our knowledge of educational trends,
challenges and innovations in a global perspective. These would certainly
influence teaching and learning in JHS in a positive way,” she said.
“To be selected as a member of this network also means that we have the
capacity to share and help other schools and at the same time, benefit from the
development programs offered by the network,” she added.
Benefits
of the school network include development programs for school leaders, teachers
and students; teaching and learning resources; scholarships and grants; and student
and teacher exchange programs.
SEAMEO is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1965
by the governments of Southeast Asian countries to promote regional cooperation
in education, science and culture. J. P. Villanueva
