Focused Sector(s): Education

Project: Education Quality Improvement Programme (EQUIP)

Date and duration: January 2009 – December 2010 (12 months)

Location: Kota Kayuagung Sub-district, Ogan Komering Illir District, South Sumatra Province

Beneficiaries: 30 principals and 60 teachers from 15 schools with 5,000 students

Problem(s)

• 65 per cent of the teachers and principals were under-qualified
• Schools still practiced traditional teaching methods such as rote learning
• Almost none of the teachers had received training on modern, stimulating teaching methods
• Students were unmotivated, resulting in poor performance at school

Intervention and Impact

• Introduced intensive workshops on leadership qualities and managerial skills for principals and superintendents
• Conducted an intensive year-long professional development training programme for teachers, who reported higher confidence levels and job satisfaction, and encouraged more creative and critical thinking among their students.
• The more conducive learning environment resulted in improved English performance amongst students, giving them an advantage when embarking on their careers

Cost: S$246,212