NHRDC study highlights need for education voucher system

Education is a vital investment for human and economic development and is influenced by the environment within which it exists. Changes in technology, labour market patterns and general global environment, all require policy responses. Traditions, culture and values all reflect upon the education system and at the same time are also affected by them. The element of continuity and change remains perpetual and it is up to the society to determine its pace and direction.

We are living in an inquiring and innovation-oriented society. The demand of the 21st century is novelty, creativity and integration of knowledge at a global level. Economic and social changes are creating uncertainty and complexity in society. To prepare the children and youth to cope with the present situation the education system needs to equip people with analytical and critical thinking and the right skills and attitude that would make them more flexible and innovative to deal with uncertainty and change at a national and global level.

Today in Sri Lanka, education is viewed in the context of lifelong learning in which the individual is ever capable of further progress – given a conducive environment. 

The current government has proposed to increase the expenditure allocation for education from 1.5% of GDP to 6% over a period of five years. In view of this, the Ministry of Policy Planning, Economic Affairs, Child, Youth and Cultural Affairs with the coordination of National Human Resources Development Council organised a discussion and study with key stakeholders representing the following four sectors: Primary and Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Tertiary, Vocational and Professional Education and Higher Education.

Although the Federation of University Teachers (FUTA) led a widely supported campaign in 2011 and 2012 for state funding on education to be increased to 6% of GDP, there has been no consensus on what specific areas should be funded. 

The discussion groups were led by university academics, namely Professors Marie Perera (Primary Education), Lakshman Jayathilake (Secondary Education), Malik Ranasinghe (Tertiary, Vocational and Professional Education) and P.S.M. Gunaratne (Higher Education); the committee included stakeholders covering all critical sectors. The NHRDC is of the view that the recommendations would be a starting point for wider discussion and debate. Some of the key initiatives recommended of the committee are:

Bringing elementary education (ages 3-5) under the Ministry of Education and providing infrastructure for the same, considering also grants and loans to private sector providers, so that the current enrolment of 45% can be increased to say 80%

Catering for special needs among students, such as (i) psycho social problems and (ii) ‘disability’ problems

Increasing the number of secondary schools teaching science at A/L from the current 900 to say around 1500; and those teaching the technology stream from the current 250 to say around 1000

Granting incentive allowances for teachers of English and Mathematics (secondary school level) and Science (O/L and A/L classes), based on qualifications, competence and performance

Strengthening the National Institute of Education through a generous annual allocation, to promote (among other things) research in education

Meeting the recurrent costs of the Tertiary, Vocational and Professional Education sector through a ‘voucher’ system, where students who are qualified to receive this education have freedom to spend it at institutions of their choice

Co-ordinating all Tertiary, Vocational and Professional Education programs, across line ministries, e.g. through a revamped Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission

Commencing universities at most six months after the A/Level examination is held, so that they are not disadvantaged vis a vis private universities

Expanding enrolment in higher education so that the enrolment rate is gradually increased from 17% to 25% (i.e. as percentages of those qualifying for university entrance)

Promoting university staff development through (among others): (i) state sponsored scholarship schemes for young staff to obtain PhD qualifications; (ii) provisions for international (or even national) placements and/or conference attendance on a regular basis for all staff

Making provision for high quality international academics to be placed in targeted Sri Lankan universities for say three to six month periods, in order to increase research quality

Insisting on quality assurance of higher education, primarily through international accreditation and overseas external examiners, the visits pertaining to which will need to be provided for

With the directive and guidance of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and NHRDC Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody further discussions will be held to implement some of the recommendations which can significantly contribute  towards creating a future ready workforce.