The work plan initiated to develop one Model School in every Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD Project) has been put on a fast track particularly relevant to 134 schools out of the 341 schools originally selected, an Education Ministry news release said.

These 134 schools selected covering all 8 provinces have been allocated sufficient funds and other resources needed to implement this plan.

At a recent meeting held at Isurupaya with the principals of the 134 schools, relevant Provincial and Zonal Directors and members of the National Education Commission, these issues were discussed. The Ministry of Education has appointed one Provincial DSD Coordinator, for each province who will be overall in charge to ensure the development of all DSD project schools in the province. The aim of these 134 schools is to attract children by March 31, 2001, for Grade I admission.

Associated with the Ministry of Education in this Flag Ship Programme of the Ministry, are several leading private sector organizations who have offered their resources and training expertise towards this programme.

The Ministry of Education expects to extend the programme to the rest of the schools by year 2001. so that by 2002 January, every Divisional Secretariat division will have one fully equipped, model school which will cater to the children of the area. This project if successfully completed, would automatically ease the demand for admission to the leading schools in big cities in the country.