The Department of Education implements non-formal education programs through the ALS. Non-formal education is defined by UNESCO as “education that is institutionalized, intentional and planned by an education provider. The defining characteristic of non-formal education is that it is an addition, alternative and/or a complement to formal education within the process of the lifelong learning of individuals. It is often provided to guarantee the right of access to education for all. Non-formal education can cover programs contributing to adult and youth literacy and education for out-of-school children, as well as programs on life skills, work skills, and social or cultural development.”

The non-formal education programs in ALS are Basic Literacy Program (BLP) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program.

The ALS Program also provides opportunity for learning through Informal Education (InFed). Informal Education, defined as a “lifelong learning process acquired outside the formal school system but complements learning acquired in both non-formal and formal basic education,” creates opportunities for self-development, community development, entrepreneurship, and skills development in response to the individual’s learning interest.