Bridging the Learning Gap

In the remote hills of Deraniyagala, nestled in Sri Lanka’s Sabaragamuwa Province, a quiet change is taking place in village classrooms. For the past few years, these schools have struggled under the weight of a learning crisis that left thousands of children behind; first due to prolonged COVID-19 school closures, and later, because of the devastating impacts of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

But there’s new hope now, delivered not just as textbooks and chalkboards, but in the form of colorful learning kits including math kits, measuring tools, and teaching aids. These materials, provided through the generous support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with UNICEF Sri Lanka, mark a new chapter in the story of learning recovery for children who were among the most affected by the crisis. Complementing this support were structured learning recovery sessions that helped children catch up, along with teacher training that empowered educators to deliver these sessions effectively.

Sri Lanka had some of the longest school closures in during the pandemic, with in-person learning in schools disrupted for over 60 weeks between 2020 and 2022. Assessments by UNICEF in 2021 revealed that 69 percent of parents of primary school children in Sri Lanka reported that their children were learning “less” or “a lot less” during the pandemic-related closures.

As a result, about 85% of children in Sri Lanka finish primary school without mastering basic reading and numeracy skills. School closures widened educational inequalities, with children in the most remote schools struggling the most.

School attendance also marked a significant drop in Sri Lanka in the recent years particularly in Type 2 (up to Grade 11) and Type 3(i) (up to Grade 8) schools, where absenteeism had been recorded as high as 50%. Education experts attribute this to widening learning gaps after prolonged school closures. Without child-friendly teaching methods or effective catch-up programmes, many students are unable to keep up with lessons. As a result, children,especially in rural areas,are falling behind and increasingly dropping out of school altogether.

The economic crisis that followed only magnified the problem.

Families unable to afford basic school supplies had to make impossible choices. For children like those at Dodawaththa Primary School, learning became a luxury many could not sustain. But the learning recovery kits provided through support from The Church have made a remarkable difference in their learning journeys.

“These learning kits have really helped speed up the pace of learning for my students,” said Ms. Mahesha Madhuwanthi, a Grade 5 class teacher, beaming with pride. “They’ve been especially useful for children who struggled with basic numeracy. Because of the creative ways we can use the kits in lessons, the children love being more interactive.”

The support from The Church came at a time when Sri Lanka’s education system needed it most. Their contribution allowed UNICEF to equip over 200 schools in Sabaragamuwa Province with practical learning materials to re-engage children and rebuild foundational skills.

Ms. Madhuwanthi noted that the learning aids as well as the training she received on using child-friendly teaching methods particularly in improving reading and mathematical skills of students, have been crucial in guiding children’s thinking, keeping them focused, and encouraging eager learning.

“These trainings and tools help keep the lessons flowing smoothly and keep the children engaged,” she added. “They’ve been essential in helping my fifth graders grasp the key learning concepts that are so important for their ongoing education.”

In a system long marred by disparity, these learning kits are helping to ensure all children have access to the resources they need to thrive.

“Now, every one of my students has access to the same learning tools. That’s what makes this support so meaningful as no child is left behind,” she said.

For R. Sada Devi, a primary school teacher at Noori Tamil Vidyalaya in Dehiowita, a small town in Sri Lanka’s hill country, the support has been nothing short of transformational.

“Even though I’ve been teaching here for about eight years, the lack of proper learning equipment has held my students back from gaining a complete education,” she explained. “Now we’ve received tools that will really help improve students’ achievement, essential proficiency levels, and academic performance.”

She’s optimistic about the future, “I believe this support can bring about meaningful and lasting change in our education system.”

Mr. S.J.U.B. Koralegedara, Deputy Director of Education for the Sabaragamuwa Province, also highlighted the broader importance of the initiative and how it directly addresses the country’s primary education needs.

“These materials are extremely effective for teaching mathematics, language, environmental studies, and really the whole primary curriculum, in a way that sparks children’s interest in hands-on learning,” he explained.

He also acknowledged the challenges faced by students across the province:

“Children in rural areas pursue education despite many obstacles,” he said. “These learning support kits will definitely help those living and learning in vulnerable conditions to move forward on their educational journey.”

In Deraniyagala, the transformation is already visible. Learning has become a joyful, hands-on experience once more. Teachers report greater participation, improved focus, and most importantly, renewed enthusiasm among their students.

The support provided by The Church has breathed new life into schools that were struggling to survive. As Sri Lanka steadily rebuilds its education system, these stories remind us that with the right support, every child can dream again, learn again, and rise again.