GTZ assists psychosocial counselling in NE schools

[TamilNet, Monday, 25 April 2005, 02:40 GMT]
The German Agency for Technical Co-operation (GTZ) of the German Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development has donated about 3.1 million rupees worth of playing tools, building blocks, musical toys, puzzles, chess boards and sport equipments to support psycho social counselling in schools in five education zones, Akkaraipattu, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Mullaitivu and Vadamaradchchi in the northeast province, sources said.

Dr.Gerhard Huck, GTZ-BESP acting Programme Co-ordinator

The ceremonial handing over event took place during the weekend at the auditorium of the North East Provincial Ministry of Education, located in Orr's Hill, Trincomalee.

Dr.Gerhard H.B.Huck, acting Programme Co-ordinator of the Basic Education Sector Programme (BESP) of the GTZ in Colombo handed over the materials to Mr.R.Thiyakalingam, Provincial Ministry Secretary, sources said.

Mr.Thiyakalingam in his welcome speech lauded the role of the GTZ in the development of education in the war-ravaged Wanni district and other parts of the province before the ceasefire agreement signed by the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) came into operation. The GTZ implemented a catch-up education programme under BESP for children who lost education due to war in the northeast province.

Mr.Sundaram Divakalala, Director of BECARe of the GTZ said donated materials would be sent to all schools in the five education zones from May 9th.

Dr.Gerhard H.B.Huck said the Joyful Learning programme started in Trincomalee for war-affected students has been extended to other parts of Sri Lanka.



Dr.Gerhard H.B.Huck, GTZ-BESP acting Programme Co-ordinator hands over counselling materials to Mr.Thiayakalingam, NE Provincial Education Ministry Secretary at the event held at ministry auditorium. Mr.Sundaram Divakalala, Director of BECARe of GTZ is seen in middle.

Awareness training on disaster and mental health for Principals of affected schools in Vanni is planned. 437 of the 567 Befrienders and Counsellors trained in the five districts of the northeast provinces are now working in schools and welfare camps as decided by the provincial education ministry. Their psychosocial intervention has identified 3679 children out of 9128 as traumatised, GTZ sources said.

Mr.S.Saravanapavaan, Director of Education ( Planning ) of the Provincial Ministry of Education proposed vote of thanks.