The Government’s proposed plan to develop 1000 secondary schools will commence shortly after completing the ongoing Scientific Mapping Exercise (SME) in all rural and remote schools that are located in every part of the country, Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane said.

According to the School Development Division of the Ministry of Education, out of over 9800 Government schools, a majority have already been provided with basic facilities for the benefit of children. Minister Gunawardane told the Junior Observer that this proposed 1000 secondary school development programme is a very successful educational project and it will be completed within a period of four years commencing this year.

The Minister further said the Government’s main objective is to provide an excellent education to the 4.2 million schoolchildren by giving them a better knowledge of English, Science, Maths and Information Technology.

He said after completing this proposed SME project, children will be able to improve their knowledge on these job oriented subjects.

The Minister also said that most parents prefer to admit their children to popular schools which have all educational facilities such as science and computer laboratories, adequate teachers and other facilities to engage in extra curricular activities.

He said the SME project will help children to remain in the same schools without having to go to other schools, as under this programme all the schools will be equipped with modern educational equipment and will also be provided with specialised trained teachers.

source: http://www.SundayObserver.lk / by Ananada Kannangara / Sunday, February 26th, 2012