Little Red Schoolhouse
Philippines

In response to the severe shortage of school buildings in rural Philippines and the government's call for private sector support for public education, Coca-Cola launched the Little Red Schoolhouse project in 1997 to improve access to complete elementary education for children in the country's remote and underserved areas. To date, the project has provided permanent three-classroom school buildings and essential classroom equipment to 55 public multi-grade elementary schools nationwide.

The project features ongoing training for educators on the special skills needed for teaching multi-grade classes. It also integrates capability-building for the parent-teacher-community associations (PTCA), such as workshops for parents and local leaders on the proper upkeep of their new school.

The Department of Education has endorsed the Little Red Schoolhouse project as a model of private sector government partnership. Funded by Coca-Cola, the project is implemented in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), who supervises schoolhouse construction and PTCA training, and the Department of Education Bureau of Elementary Education, who designs and implements the teacher training modules. Local Coca-Cola associates volunteer their time, as well as contribute logistical support and personal donations such as school materials.

The project has brought significant improvements to the schools and communities it serves. Schools report a number of students earning academic and sports achievement awards, while several teachers have been recognized for outstanding multi-grade teaching skills. Local governments have supported Little Red Schoolhouse communities by improving roads and installing water and electrical connections in the vicinity. After completion of construction, each school is turned over to the Department of Education and the local community, helping to ensure local sustainability and ownership of the project.

Company Description

The Coca-Cola Company exists to benefit and refresh everyone who is touched by the company's business. Founded in 1886, Coca-Cola is the world's leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups, used to produce nearly 300 beverage brands. Its corporate headquarters are in Atlanta, with local operations in nearly 200 countries around the world. Coca-Cola's Asia operations cover 38 countries, including Japan, India, China, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia. The Asia Group accounts for 30 percent of The Coca-Cola Company's revenue, refreshes over half the world's population and provides total system employment to over 100,000 people.

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