Issues and impact
The improvement in quality of education is an issue in DPR Korea, as is the continual shortages of basic school supplies, often now a charge on parents rather than the local authority, shortages of textbooks, and further degradation of school infrastructure. Furthermore, field observations and verbal reports from the Ministry of Education indicate that the prolonged hardships, such as illness and lack of adequate heating in schools during the long sub-zero winters, are beginning to provoke a pattern of absenteeism. Humanitarian assistance has made modest contributions, but without a definite move towards systemic improvements, this is not a sustainable approach to solve the problems. UNICEF’s education projects aim to maintain participation in and improve the quality of the country’s system of free and compulsory education.
The project continues to provide essential school supplies and paper and ink for the printing of textbooks. At the same time, it will address issues of quality of education, flagged by the Government as a priority area. The project is also helping to formulate the national plan of action for Education for All (EFA), in conjunction with UNESCO, and implementation strategies. In focus counties/districts, the national plan will be translated to a local school improvement plan, and support will be given to improve the physical environment of the school (such as water and sanitation), teaching methods, learner assessment and school-community interaction. This will enhance efficiency and child-friendliness, especially to maintain attendance, in both schools and kindergartens. Nationally, UNICEF’s education projects support the development of an educational management information system to be used as a primary tool to plan educational services for children. Furthermore, they will also ensure that children receive essential information and learning on child rights and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Key results sought are that:
Ryongchon emergency
Focus counties/districts
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