Vanni students

SRI LANKAN government and Army restrictions have had an adverse impact on education in northern Vanni region. Many schools have no furniture. Metal furniture is not allowed into the Vanni and the government has not provided funds to make furniture locally. A large number of schools are damaged. In Kilinochchi District, 60 of the 71 schools are functioning in temporary shelters. Science teaching has become impossible because of the restrictions on science equipment and chemicals. Computers for the Vanni are lying in Vavuniya as the Army has denied permission. Maps, paper and ink are among the restricted items. Because of restrictions on fuel, it has become difficult for students to study in the nights.

At least 3,350 teachers are currently needed in the region for the 94,000 students, but there are only 1,800 teachers. According to Tamil Teachers Union General Secretary T Mahasivam, the shortage of teachers has had an impact on the standard of education in the Vanni. Some 600 volunteer teachers are demanding permanent appointment and have threatened to withdraw. Inadequate nutrition is a major problem in the Vanni due to government restrictions on food and has had a detrimental effect on children, including students. Only one third of the food needed reaches the region despite protests by agencies. According to experts, undernutrition affects brain development in the early stages and cognitive and educational performance in the long-term. The UN has also raised concern over the prevalence of strong pressure on school children to join militant groups like the LTTE.

Reports say there are many students among over 11,000 people disabled by the war during the period 1990-2000. Most of them are unable to obtain prosthetics or other materials needed for their rehabilitation.

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