Australian Government extends US$ 4 million for education

The Australian Government announced US $ 4 million support for over 600 schools through UNICEF over the next three years.

The funding will support the 'Child Friendly Schools' Programme, an Education Ministry and UNICEF initiative to improve access to quality primary education for children. These include children who are marginalised, vulnerable and living with disabilities, a release said.

"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."

'Child Friendly Schools' aim to promote quality learning and create a healthy and safe environment for children to study. They also ensure active engagement of students, families and communities, it said.

"This contribution from the Australian Government is both timely and significant," said UNICEF's Representative in Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle. "This generous support will help Sri Lanka as it seeks to improve the quality of primary education, and this programme will reach those children most in need."

To date 1,400 schools in Sri Lanka are participating in the Child Friendly Schools Programme. UNICEF is supporting the Ministry to move towards mainstreaming the programme as the national approach to primary education. This includes school-based capacity building of principals, teachers, students and their communities.