UNICEF supports Government distribution:

Books for Jaffna children

UNICEF has ensured the distribution of school kits to every school student at the request of the Ministry of Education in the Jaffna Peninsula.

Head of UNICEF’s Education section in Sri Lanka, Ita Sheehy, said the month-long distribution had reached an estimated 140,000 primary and secondary schoolchildren, all of whom are affected by the ongoing conflict.

“It was a challenge because Jaffna has been cut-off by the conflict from the rest of Sri Lanka for more than a year,” said Sheehy. “Many communities and schools are in areas considered high security areas by the Government and are difficult to access regularly. One benefit was that each of the 404 schools was visited by a team from the Education authorities and UNICEF in even the most volatile and remote areas.”

In addition to the Education Ministry the distribution was carried out with the support of the military, the Government Agent, the Commissioner General for Essential Services, as well as the teachers and students themselves.

“Education authorities were increasingly concerned that education was being eroded by the conflict,” added Sheehy. “If families are struggling with the impact of isolation and loss of income, it was feared that school stationery would become a lower priority as food and other prices rose.

Sri Lankans are acutely aware of the value of education. They know that good schooling is a passage to a better life, and we have to support that hope as best we can.”

Many schools had been recycling materials in an effort to keep children supplied.