Project to improve learning environment in schools
The World Bank is providing a US$68 million loan for a project to enhance the governance of schools across Nagaland as well as to improve teaching practices and learning environments in select schools under an agreement signed with the Indian and Nagaland Governments on 23 Feb 2021.
The “Nagaland: Enhancing Classroom Teaching and Resources Project” will improve classroom instruction; create opportunities for the professional development of teachers; and build technology systems to provide students and teachers with more access to blended and online learning as well as allow better monitoring of policies and programs.
Such an integrated approach will complement conventional delivery models and help mitigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. About 150,000 students and 20,000 teachers in the government education system in Nagaland will benefit from the statewide reforms in schools, said the Finance Ministry.
This project is designed to support the Government of Nagaland’s ongoing efforts to improve and develop a more resilient education system in the state, explained Junaid Ahmad, World Bank Country Director in India, on signing the agreement.
Strengthening Nagaland’s Education Management and Information System (EMIS) will enable wider access to education resources; support professional development and performance evaluation systems for teachers and education managers; facilitate school leadership and better management; and support examination reforms.
Kumar Vivek, Education Specialist and the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project, sees the project supporting the state’s efforts to reform and improve the learning environment in schools so that they are child-centered; supportive of modern, technology-enabled teaching and learning approaches; and resilient to future shocks.
As part of that strategy, approximately 15 out of Nagaland’s 44 higher secondary schools will be developed into school complexes that operationalize the envisioned learning environment during the project period.
The education project in Nagaland will address the critical gaps faced by students and teachers and play an important role in the development of the state, said C.S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, on signing the agreement on behalf of the Government of India.
Shanavas C, Principal Director, Department of School Education, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Nagaland.
The US$68 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a final maturity of 14.5 years including a grace period of five years. #loan #banking #project #education /fiinews.com
