Convergys Philippines recently concluded Convergys Connects for Education, a volunteerism-based project where its employees mentor out-of- school adults aiming to get high school diplomas through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System Program (ALS). Done in collaboration with NGO Hands On Manila and two partner schools in Manila and Cebu, the project ran from July 2016 to April 2017.
Convergys Connects involved almost 1,000 employee volunteers, who spent 7,570 volunteer hours in 36 weeks mentoring 192 ALS learners in Cardones Elementary School in Taguig and Guadalupe Elementary School in Cebu. The mentors regularly visited the ALS learners as they prepared for an equivalency exam to determine whether they will get a DepEd certification akin to a high school diploma. The certification will help them gain more employment opportunities or pursue a college education.
Given the diverse backgrounds and often-challenged situations of many learners, dropping out from the self-paced ALS program is common. With consistent mentoring from Convergys volunteers however, 76% of the enrollees finished the 9-month program and will proceed to the exams—more than 20% higher than the historical average in the two partner schools. The volunteers also conducted skills training on topics such as English communication, essay writing, basic computer programs, as well as job interview and resume preparation.
Convergys President for Asia-Pacific Ivic Mueco shares, “I congratulate the learners for finishing DepEd’s ALS Program. Knowing that each of them had to surmount various obstacles to pursue their studies, this is a great accomplishment. I also commend our employee volunteers for their tireless dedication to share time and knowledge with others. This is truly a demonstration of our company value of Serving The Community.”
Convergys Connects for Education is part of the company’s global CSR in support of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on improving access to lifelong learning and employment opportunities. Convergys’ CSR pillars revolve around workforce preparedness, health and wellness, or stability/quality of life.
As a final note, Mueco adds “This program is one of the ways our people can make a lasting impact by helping others increase their knowledge and self-confidence, as well as inspiring them to keep going. It is our hope that with the higher finishing rate, the learners will also pass the equivalency exam and have a brighter future ahead.”
Convergys, a global leader in customer management, has presence in 34 sites and employs 60,000 individuals in the Philippines. It has Hall of Fame status as Best Company and Best Employer from the International ICT Awards. Check out https://www.facebook.com/ConvergysPhils or hashtag #ConvergysPH for more information.
