Support to Primary Education

Results as of project end include 15 220 students (including 9 805 girls) spanning kindergarten to grade five were enrolled in the supported public schools. Student enrolment has increased since the beginning of the project from 48% for girls and 67% for boys in 2008 to 64% and 71% respectively. The project has improved the quality of primary education in the supported schools through training 100 teachers on education methodologies; there has since been a 15% increase in teacher attendance in the project schools; attendance for female teachers increased from 53% in 2008 to 62% in 2010-2011; and attendance for male teachers increased from 68% in 2008 to 71% in 2010-2011. Strengthening the capacity of Parent Teacher Councils (PTCs) in all project schools has resulted in increased community participation to improve school environments. PTCs were provided with school improvement grants which have been spent based on the specific prioritized needs of each school as identified by community members. For example water supply schemes have been established in 67 schools and latrines have been established in 47 schools through these grants. An effort has been made to engage women more actively in PTCs; currently there are 232 active female PTC members for girls schools whereas no women were involved in 2008. The project has also achieved significant results through its school health and nutrition component. To date 27 721 children (including 16 057 girls) have been provided with health education as a result of 342 teachers and 100 child volunteers receiving training on delivering Community Focused Health Education sessions. Furthermore 35 844 children (including 15 607 girls) have been de-wormed and received micronutrient supplements during school health days. The project also completely reconstructed and furnished 6 primary schools that had been destroyed by the earthquake.