Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) and Matching Grant Projects Launched

The Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Project. The CLIC Project is one of the education support efforts being carried out under the USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. The CLIC Project supports the efforts of the Philippine Government, and the ARMM Government's Department of Education to integrate computer and internet education in schools. Under the CLIC Project, schools are provided with between five and ten computers, related peripherals, internet connections (including satellite link-ups if necessary), and related
teacher training in the use of computers in the education process. The objectives of the CLIC Project are to strengthen classroom learning and instruction by expanding access to varied sources of information. In so doing, the Project hopes to increase the ability of children in Mindanao to successfully compete with their peers in the rest of the Philippines (as well as in the rest of Asia) for jobs, future education
opportunities, etc.

USAID-GEM implements the CLIC Project in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, the Makati Business Club, and others. Approximately 100 schools per year are selected for participation in the CLIC Project. Geographic focus on the Project is the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and other conflict affected areas of Mindanao.

GEM's Education Awareness Support Effort (EASE) is aimed at increasing public involvement in solving education problems in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and neighboring conflict- affected areas. EASE administers a Matching Grant which "matches" the efforts of parent-teacher associations and other community groups in these areas to establish small libraries and science
laboratories in their schools, among other projects. Over 100 schools, most of them in remote areas of Mindanao, have applied for and received Matching Grants.

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