Australian assistance for local schools

The Australian Government has extended its support to develop over 600 Sri Lankan schools over the next three years. The support, in the form of four million US dollars, would be made available through UNICEF.

The funds will support the Child Friendly Schools Programme, an initiative which had been launched by the Education Ministry and UNICEF to improve children’s access to quality primary education. These include children who are marginalised, vulnerable and living with disabilities.

“These funds will benefit 250,000 children and are another example of our commitment to children in Sri Lanka,” said Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sophia McIntyre. “Child Friendly Schools improve learning and increase attendance and retention.”

The Child Friendly Schools Programme aims to promote quality learning and create a healthy and safe environment for children to study. It also ensures the active engagement of students, families and communities in the education process.

Sri Lankan schools numbering 1,400 are already taking part in this programme. UNICEF has extended its support to the Ministry to mainstream the programme as the national approach to primary education. This includes school-based capacity building of principals, teachers, students and their communities.