The SCALA Project

The SCALA project was a project piloted by EWB in the Philippines from 2002 to 2007.

Context

In the 1990s the number of out of school youth in the Philippines tripled. The number of underprivileged youth who are neither in school nor employed is estimated at 12 million (World Bank). In 2002 the National Youth Commission of the Philippines identified the need for these youth to gain access to basic services in order to break out of the cycle of poverty they were in.

Project

EWB collaborated with the Social Technology Bureau of the DSWD to design and pilot the SCALA Project (Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad). The SCALA Project involved setting up Computer Livelihood Training Centres (CLTC) to help underprivileged youth access employment opportunities. The training at the CLTCs includes basic computer literacy training, life skills education, resource linkages and employment support.

The DSWD was responsible for the actual design and implementation of the programs. EWB volunteers helped the DSWD to draw out lessons and refine the program. They also provided material and financial assistance by raising money and getting computers donated in Canada. After EWB’s first year of involvement with the project they began helping the DSWD to scale up the project to reach more communities in the Philippines.

EWB phased out of the project over two years in order to allow the DSWD to take full ownership. Since 2007 the centres have been run entirely by the DSWD in the Philippines. In the short-term EWB will provide support for the SCALA Project through follow-up assessments of the results of the project.

Results

The youth that completed the training program were transformed with valuable skills in computers as well as in professionalism and leadership. The graduates had increased confidence and a desire to contribute to their communities. As well it helped them develop larger and stronger social networks and to gain access to important resources, such as scholarships, grants, computers and job postings.

Between August 2003 and December 2006, 27 CLTCs were established. During this time over 2000 youth were trained in their programs. About a quarter of these youth have since returned to school and another quarter have gained employment.

The Future

There is still a great need for the currently existing CLTCs and for more to be established in other regions. As the DSWD continues to build its capacity to manage and scale up the CLTC model more youth in the Philippines will be able to access opportunities to improve their lives and break out of the cycle of poverty.

Click here to read EWB's internal report on the SCALA Project »