| The goal of the program is to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development and equitable poverty reduction. Its objectives include: (i) sustained, improved literacy and numeracy attainment through the primary cycle; and (ii) expanded secondary access in underserved areas and poverty zones. The program is divided into three articulated components: 1.The Improved School Performance Component (US$9.70 million) will finance fundamental curricular and pedagogical reforms in literacy and numeracy from nursery to primary grade 4, including: (i) a results-oriented literacy program and print-rich environment in all schools; (ii) core numeracy instruction for all students in primary grades 1-3 via interactive radio instruction; (iii) community-based programs to raise attendance, enhance equity, and restore literacy and numeracy to acceptable levels in low-performing schools; (iv) introduction of modern technologies into teaching, learning, and school administration; (v) teacher upgrading and in-service training emphasizing new methodologies; alignment of in-service and pre-service training programs with MOE’s new literacy and numeracy program; (vi) a comprehensive system for student assessment, including replacement of the Secondary School Entrance Examination. 2.The Organization and Human Resource Capacity Component (US$3.47 million) will finance actions that improve the management capability of MOE to deliver quality educational services including: (i) strengthening core decision making through the establishment of an integrated education management information system (EMIS) that supports asset management, human resources, and sector performance; (ii) a robust management and professional development program, encompassing succession planning and formal and on-the-job training opportunities; (iii) institutional strengthening, through the review of national education system policies, a modern Education Act, implementation of institutional changes, and development of an integrated financial management system. 3.The Infrastructure Component (US$15.0 million) will support universal secondary education by enlarging the stock of schools in communities where unmet need is highest, including: (i) five new and one replacement school; (ii) rehabilitation and/or extension of five existing schools; (iii) student dormitories and teacher accommodations in remote areas. Recurrent budgetary resources will be allocated on a progressive basis to address the financing gap in school maintenance. | Loan Agreement Signed
Project begins 4th Quarter 2002 |
