Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the Marginalized, Excluded and Vulnerable Sectors (MEVs)

Out-of-School Children and Youth (OSCY) refers to 7 to 14 years old and not enrolled in any formal or vocational school and 15-24 years old and not enrolled in any formal or vocational school, not formally employed, and not a tertiary level graduate. The Philippines ranks high as one of the countries with a sizable number of OSCY. In a co-publication of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released in 2014, the Philippines ranked the highest in number in 2012 among 8 ASEAN countries. Even higher than that of Indonesia with a population double than the Philippines.

The Out-of-School phenomenon reflects the over-all socio-economic situation of the country including poverty, regional inequalities, rapid population growth rate, sluggish economic growth and low absorption of the labor force. According to the National Youth Commission (NYC).