Korean donation for improving schools in Sri Lanka’s North and East

COLOMBO, Dec 23, 2011 – UNICEF, in association with the Ministry of Education, is to roll-out teacher training and improved school management practices in twenty three new schools in former conflict-affected parts of Sri Lanka, thanks to the generosity of a Korean donor.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is funding the teacher training and the sharing of other school management practices a total cost of two million USD/227.8 million rupees over four years.

KOICA Sri Lanka Resident Representative CHO Sang-Woo said "This project for quality education in North and East Sri Lanka will be able to bring out greater effect UNICEF’s education expertise in the area of institutional and capacity building.

UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Reza Hossaini said: "We deeply appreciate this most generous donation from KOICA. This funding will enable us, in partnership with KOICA, to provide more equitable access to a quality education for some of the most vulnerable children in Sri Lanka."

This Korean funded education package will improve the quality of education by addressing teaching methodologies, school based management, classroom, assessment techniques and how to promote enrolment and attendance in schools.

This KOICA-funded U N ICE F project will bring not only best practices in teacher training but new methods for the school principals and teachers in how to involve the local community in the schools’ management. Schools principals are expected to visit Korea to study teaching methods and school management practices.

Playground equipment will be provided for each school and recreational kits for sports and physical education. Learning and teaching materials will also be provided.

Mr. Cho of KOICA and Mr Hossaini jointly signed a memorandum on Friday, December 23, confirming the rolling out of this large educational investment package.

It is estimated that approximately 17,700 children will benefit from the hoped for educational improvements in these targetted schools, all of which will be newly built by KOICA in Kilinochchi, Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The plan is to develop local community involvement in the managing of the new schools so the new facilities become well-managed assets and catalysts for regenerating their neighbourhoods.

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