$320m ADB loan to raise quality of pry edn

The Asian Development Bank has approved a $320 million loan that will help Bangladesh continue its push to improve the quality of the primary education system.

ADB's board of directors approved the funds on Tuesday for the Third Primary Education Development Project.

It builds on earlier reforms that have helped Bangladesh, which has one of the world's largest primary school systems, increase net enrolments to almost 96 per cent in 2010 and to achieve gender parity.

Eight other development partners, including the World Bank, EU, the UK's Department for International Development, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Canadian International Development Agency, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and Australian Agency for International Development, and the United Nations Children' s Fund are also providing assistance.

The full project cost is $8.3 billion with the government contributing $7.3 billion equivalent.

The nine development partners including the ADB will provide $1.05 billion.

ADB's loan from its concessional Asian Development Fund has a 32-year tenor, including a grace period of 8 years, with an interest charge of 1 per cent, rising to 1.5 per cent for the balance of the term.

The ministry of primary and mass education will execute the project which is expected to be completed by end June 2016.

'Despite the progress made to date, primary schools still suffer from high student dropout rates, as well as low completion levels and this project will help address these issues,' said Sultan H Rahman, ADB director general at the South Asia Department.

It will support textbook and curriculum improvements, a teacher development plan and a class assessment system that will result in a more effective, relevant and child-friendly learning environment.

To reduce current access and participation gaps, targeted assistance will be given to disadvantaged groups such as tribal children, ethnic minorities and children living with disabilities.

The project will expand support for early learning by providing funds for one year of pre-primary education and for non-formal and second chance primary schooling.

Source : New Age