The UNICEF Monday (September 01), announced the completion of construction of the fourth school in the Tsunami affected Ampara District.

The A/K Al- Badhur Vidyalam constructed under an estimated coat of Rs.44.5 million is to accommodate 130 school children and staff, UNICEF officials stated in a communiqu‚ released.

This follows the completion of four other schools in the area since early January: A/K AL- Hithaya School (Pottuvil), A/K Pallakuda Palavinayagar Vidyalam (Thirukkovil) and A/K Thirupathi GTMS (Thandiyadi Komari).
Following is the press release issued by the UNICEF on 01st Sep, 2008

Today 130 children and staff of A/K Al- Badhur Vidyalam will at last move into a brand new school, having being compelled to pursue their learning activities in temporary shelter following the 2004 tsunami. AL-Badhur is the fourth school completed by UNICEF in the Ampara District this year and cost Rs44.5million.

Earlier this year, the newly constructed A/K AL- Hithaya School (Pottuvil), A/K Pallakuda Palavinayagar Vidyalam (Thirukkovil) and A/K Thirupathi GTMS (Thandiyadi Komari) were handed over by UNICEF to the Region's Zonal Directors of Education.

"It is a joyous occasion. Ever since the tsunami, my children and relatives have longed for a proper learning environment," said Mr. Mr. A.S.M. Rafeek, Principal, who has more than 31 years of service as a teacher. "We were also saddened by the loss two children to the tsunami - a boy and girl of six and seven years - and since January 2005, the 'school' was in temporary shelters at the mosque premises. There were no toilets and no water except for the mosque well."

Responding to a request from the Ministry of Education, UNICEF committed to build 21 schools to replace facilities damaged or destroyed by the tsunami. All 21 schools have been completed and are now fully functioning. In addition, UNICEF agreed to a request by the Ministry of Education to support the construction of 11 additional schools, bringing the total of UNICEF's school reconstruction programme of tsunami-affected schools to thirty-two.

"Prior to the tsunami, our Primary School, which caters to children from Grades 1-5, had two small buildings, which had one hall where eight classes were conducted," said Mr. Rafeek. "Today we have a Computer Room, Science Lab, 10-Class Rooms, Canteen, Teachers Rest Room, Disabled Children room, Library, Principal's Office, and two toilets for boys and girls."

Said UNICEF's Chief of Education, Ita Sheehy: "A unique feature of the school recovery programme is the child-friendly school design concept developed by the Ministry of Education and UNICEF which is being implemented throughout all the schools. It focuses on the creation of learning spaces which foster participation and stimulate the intellectual, social and physical development of children."

(UNICEF works in over 150 countries to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS.

UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.)