The World Bank on Saturday announced that it is set to launch the Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project (TEACEP), a program that is expected to improve the learning outcomes of two million kinder to grade school students in Mindanao.

In a statement, the World Bank said its Board of Executive Directors approved the TEACEP for Mindanao learners, particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula, South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“These regions, which have high dropout rates, below-average enrollment rates, low performance in reading and math scores, and significant indigenous populations, offer invaluable insights for national educational improvements,” it noted.

Under the TEACEP, over 60,000 teachers will undergo comprehensive coaching and professional development programs while school leaders and supervisors will also receive training on how to better support and guide teachers in their instructional practices

“TEACEP builds upon the Department of Education's (DepEd) existing coaching program, transforming it into a more advanced and comprehensive professional development initiative for teachers and instructional leaders. Concentrating on enhancing literacy, numeracy, and socioemotional skills for K-6 students,” the organization noted.

“The coaching program will also emphasize peacebuilding, gender-sensitive instruction, climate and disaster resilience, and inclusive education,” it added.

Aside from programs and trainings, the World Bank said it will provide digital materials and physical resources like tablets to disadvantaged students, teachers, and coaches in a bid to improve access to quality learning.

It added that it will give solar-powered transistor radios with built-in lights to support the airing of radio-based instructions and television programs in schools located in remote and disadvantaged areas.