School & Community Partnership

School and community partnerships and involvement are crucial in today's society. The relationship between schools and communities is critical in ensuring that students receive a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success in their future endeavors.

When schools and communities work together, they can create a positive and supportive environment that helps students achieve their full potential. Partnerships between schools and communities can take many forms, including parent-teacher organizations, volunteer programs, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

The above picture is the annual community outreach program of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) called "Bigay Puso" that is being conducted during December spearheaded by External Linkages and Extension Services (ELES) under the office of the Vice President for Executive Operations and External Affairs (VP-EOEA), Dr. Juanita Costillas. The SLSU ELES office plays an important role in the quest for sustainable development and growth of society through responsive community engagement programs. The extension services that the university provides to the communities are considered vehicle in the transfer of knowledge or information, skills and technologies to the stakeholders.

The university conducts skills trainings to various sectors in the community including government employees, non-working mothers, out-of-school youth, farmers and fisher folks. These trainings cater to their needs for professional growth, or livelihood and technology skills development.  Extension services also include support to communities for the establishment of their electrification and street lighting, and improvement of the water system.

Involving the community in the education of children has several benefits. For one, it provides opportunities for students to learn about and experience the world outside of the classroom. It also helps to create a sense of belonging and connection for students, which can be critical for their social and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, community involvement in schools can help to bridge the achievement gap, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. By partnering with local organizations and businesses, schools can provide students with access to resources and opportunities that they may not have had otherwise.

Overall, school and community partnerships and involvement are essential for ensuring that students receive a high-quality education and have the support they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.