Around the world, there are many children who have been severely economically and socially deprived, who have suffered emotional and/or physical traumas, or who have disabilities. Often these children become subject to child labor and other forms of exploitation. Even if given the opportunity to go to school, many are unable to learn in traditional classrooms and fall to the wayside. Learning only takes place when it is meaningful and connected to a child’s life experiences, circumstances, and needs. GALA’s focus is on non-traditional and creative alternative learning programs that directly serve these children by providing them with a relevant, high quality education, and on making education accessible to all children. Our work also encompasses education programs that promote community development and provide training and information to community members, especially young people, in areas such as health and hygiene, income generation and employment, environmental preservation, and local culture, among other things, as these are also needed to create the foundation for a bright future for today’s youth.
Alternative learning means not only an alternative to traditional education; it also means an alternative to a childhood lost to poverty, ignorance, exploitation, disease, and even death. Alternative learning means hope.
