Education News
MoE initiates relief plan for schools and students affected by the disaster
View(s):The Ministry of Education (MoE) has drawn up a relief programme for schools and children affected by floods and landslides since last week, with the number of dead students increasing to 45 and at least 8 others listed as missing. Under the scheme, students who have lost their textbooks, uniforms and shoes will be provided with same by the MoE, while buildings and furniture of schools damaged/destroyed will be replaced.
Initial estimates indicate that Ratnapura District with 57, recorded the highest number of schools damaged in the 8 affected Districts, while the Kalutara District had 54 schools damaged, Galle District 8 schools, Hambantota District 5 schools, Matara District 4 schools and 2 schools in the Jayawardenapura area.
MoE authorities making arrangements yesterday to resume Educational activities in all 8 Districts where schools were closed till Friday, found that, some of the schools were being used to accommodate displaced persons, and in other cases, roads leading to the schools were yet to be cleared. Schools which miss out on classes will be directed to conduct classes over the weekend or, have extra hours during the week, to cover the syllabuses and ensure they complete 190 days within the year.
Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the respective schools have been told to inform the MoE authorities about the dangers and take required precautions. “If the school buildings need to be demolished and rebuilt, we will be doing that, without taking chances,” he said. Meanwhile, as another relief measure, the Exams Dept will issue any certificate free of charge, if it was destroyed by floods or landslides.
Teachers applying for Distress Loans will be given priority, if they have been affected by the recent disasters.
The MoE has also set up a collection center for relief items for disaster-affected students in National schools. - Damith Wickremasekara