United Nations Radio

A programme aimed at improving the quality of primary schools was launched Tuesday in Sri Lanka.

UNICEF and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education have undertaken the project which will focus on the individual child and ensure that all children achieve accepted standards of learning.

The programme will use film, posters, training manuals, brochures and leaflets designed to create awareness among policy makers and educators.

The package, under the theme "Child Friendly Schools - We can Make it Happen" is aimed at increasing knowledge and changing attitudes and current practices among policy makers, teachers and communities.

UNICEF says it has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to promote the Child Friendly Schools approach since 2002, investing more than $6 million.

The children's agency says a new donation of $4.5 million from the Australian government will enable the expansion of the child friendly approach across Sri Lanka.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.
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