Canadian University Projects in International Development Database (CUPID)
Program details
Asia
Philippines
Philippines Distance Education Development Project - UPCD Tier 2
| Canadian partner: | Simon Fraser University | |
|---|---|---|
| Developing country partner: | University of the Philippines Open University | |
| Project duration: | September 1996 - November 2001 |
Project purpose:
The project aimed to support the organizational and instructional development of the new University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
Key results to date:
As a result of the project, UPOU has increased its capacity to design, produce, deliver and manage quality distance education courses. This has been achieved through the training of a critical mass of UPOU educators; the development of distance education courses, instructional materials and teaching/learning support systems; and involvement of UPOU in the growing international network of distance education providers. Infrastructure is in place for extending the program to a broader range of students in locations remote from the main UPOU campuses. Work on increasing access to learning resources through development of online digital libraries and a plan to increase information and communication technology capacity in remote centres was developed and is being implemented.
Sex Trade in the Philippines
| Canadian partner: | Saint Mary's University | |
|---|---|---|
| Developing country partner: | Soroptimist International of Angeles City | |
| Project duration: | November 1999 - December 2004 |
Project purpose:
The project aims to alleviate the hardships of young female prostitutes - who are confronted with an exploitive group of bar owners and clients, an unsympathetic community and an insensitive criminal court system - by assisting Filipino partner institutions to enhance their capacity to carry out training programs that focus on prostitution at four levels: the judiciary, the police, the community and the prostituted women themselves.
Key results to date:
As a result of project activities, partners' attitudes toward women in prostitution are changing and this is reflected in the work they do, both professionally and on a volunteer basis in the community. The Philippines National Police Women's Desk in Angeles has become more proactive in assisting women working in the brothels. The Women Helping Women Centre in Angeles City was established and is run by four of the five Filipino partner institutions. It acts as a project office and a drop-in centre and support unit for the women in prostitution. Services offered include livelihood and literacy training, counselling and weekly films. An important result is the strong partnership built among participating organizations in the Philippines. For example, project partners collaborate to deliver outreach programs in the barangays. Although the project has closed, they also are working together to open a short-term shelter for prostituted women "rescued" from the casas by the police.