Street Child and our local partners are delivering a home-based learning initiative that will meet the learning needs of 1,200 primary-level students in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We will provide rapid access to home-based learning support for students in remote communities across 4 districts. In preparation for the reopening of schools and to ensure the continuation of quality learning beyond the crisis, we will also deliver training for 230 primary teachers.
In the targeted districts across Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, an average of 87% of students currently fail exams vital for their future participation in a wide range of economic activities. The ability of students to progress in schools is severely constrained by inadequately trained teachers and a lack of engaging resources, creating a rift in student attainment that widens regional inequalities. Such disparities risk becoming further aggravated by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Street Child is working with a network of local partners to support home-based learning throughout the pandemic by distributing interactive learning materials to 1,200 students to provide immediate access to learning and training 32 volunteers to deliver a programme of mentorship and learning support. 230 primary teachers will also benefit from training in the use of interactive resources and inclusive learning methodologies to strengthen capacity upon the reopening of schools.
In the context of a global pandemic, our approach is designed to remain supportive of students during a period of prolonged uncertainty, facilitating supported home-based learning when schools are closed, and creating pathways for self-directed learning when schools are reopened. Recognising that improved quality of education begins in the classroom, our teacher training approach will enhance the quality of teaching and raise student attainment of up to 20,000 students as well as future cohorts.
