From April 24–27, 2023, St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. (SMCII), in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), actively participated in the Youth Development Alliance Trainers’ Training in support of the USAID HERO 2.0 Project. This initiative gathered 18 participants from the Basic Education Department, composed of 9 faculty members and 9 learners, fostering shared learning, mentorship, and instructional readiness. Complementing this effort, 10 school administrators and 20 college student volunteers pledged their service as teachers for the USAID–Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program, directly reaching out-of-school youth and alternative learners in the community.

This initiative strongly advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing teacher capacity, expanding access to alternative learning pathways, and promoting inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities. It also supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by addressing educational gaps among marginalized and out-of-school youth, and exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through effective collaboration between an international development agency, educational institutions, and local stakeholders. Notably, St. Michael’s College stands as the pioneering institution in Iligan City to meet the rigorous USAID qualification standards, affirming its leadership in delivering impactful, standards-driven, and community-responsive education programs.