In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 โ Quality Education, North Valley College Foundation, Inc. (NVCFI) upholds its commitment to lifelong learning access policies that ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status, or gender. Guided by internationalization principles, NVCFI integrates inclusive education into its academic and community programs, particularly through gender-responsive extension initiatives spearheaded by the College of Social Work. These initiatives embody the institutionโs mission to make education accessible beyond the classroomโpromoting empowerment, capacity-building, and sustainable development within diverse communities through participatory and rights-based approaches.
Through the Field Instruction II โ Working in the Communities in partnership with the Gender and Development Office, through fourth-year Social Work students actively implement gender-responsive extension programs that address the unique needs of marginalized sectors, including women, children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, persons who use drugs (PWUDs), men through the MOVE Program, and youth. By integrating gender perspectives in program design, implementation, and evaluation, these activities strengthen inclusivity and equitable access to social, economic, and health-related opportunities. This approach reflects global best practices in community development and aligns with UNESCOโs Education 2030 Framework for Action, which emphasizes the role of higher education institutions in fostering lifelong learning, social cohesion, and gender equality. Beyond academic fulfillment, these initiatives reinforce NVCFIโs role as a globally engaged institution committed to education that transforms lives and communities. The collaboration between the college and its partner communities ensures that each program is not only responsive to local realities but also reflective of international standards of equity and inclusion. By embedding gender-responsive and lifelong learning principles into its policies and outreach activities, NVCFI nurtures globally competent social work practitioners capable of driving sustainable change. These efforts exemplify the institutionโs dedication to SDG 4, ensuring that education serves as a lifelong, inclusive, and empowering process for all members of society.
