US$ 50 million from OPEC to set up and upgrade tech labs in schools

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has provided a loan of around US$ 50 million to develop technology laboratories in schools throughout the country.

An average of Rs. 50 million will be spent to set up new labs for 36 schools across the country. Rs 30 million of the money allocated will be spent on lab equipment. Another 286 schools will receive Rs. nine million each for new lab equipment.

Around 1000 teachers will be trained at the National Institute of Education, and Rs. 80 million will be allocated for the institute. Teachers will be entitled to NVQ–level four certificate after a six month training period.

Measures will be also taken to encourage students to be innovative and funding of Rs. 800,000 will be given to each selected school to purchase required equipment for innovations. Funding will be provided through the Education Ministry.

Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the funding has already been made available and the construction of the labs can be completed within a year.

He said an estimated 19,000 students are sitting the upcoming G.C.E A/L exam in technology stream and around 2,200 students will be selected by the state universities from this steam.