project summary
Nakchu Prefecture Primary Education Project

project goals & context | project description | activities & achievements

project goals & context

Since its inception, Trace Foundation has been committed to improving the quality of education in Tibetan areas from primary to postgraduate levels. In 2004, Trace Foundation established the Nakchu Primary Education Project (NPE), a three-year initiative to improve the quality of primary-level Tibetan education at selected partner schools in Nakchu Prefecture to better prepare students for middle school.

project goals & context | project description | activities & achievements

project description

Strong primary schools, where students lay the foundation for future educational and vocational opportunities are of vital importance to the social and economic development of Tibetan regions of China. Primary schools in the Tibet Autonomous Region, however, face many challenges, including a lack of both resources and faculty and staff training opportunities. In addition, some rural schools have closed due to deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of qualified instructors. Focusing on townships and villages in Sok and Driru Counties in Nakchu Prefecture, Trace Foundation’s Nakchu Primary Education Project partnered with prefecture and county-level education bureaus to strengthen primary education through:

Teaching methodology training;
School administrator training;
Improving school facilities and equipment;
Producing and distributing teaching materials.

project goals & context | project description | activities & achievements

activities & achievements

Teaching methodology training:

50 teachers trained in student-centered teaching methodology: Teachers from target schools completed training in child development and student-centered teaching methodology and received new Tibetan language teaching methodology resources.
37 teachers trained in five subject areas: In collaboration with Save the Children UK, teachers from target schools completed a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, lead by three trainers from the Sino-British Basic Education Project, focusing on:

ToT methodology;
Class management;
Chinese language teaching methodology;
Mathematics teaching methodology;
Evaluation of ToT teaching methodology.

7 teachers became key teachers: 7 teachers received additional training to become key teachers at their primary schools and carry on teacher training.
4 Tibetan English teachers from 2 townships trained: Through this initiative, Trace Foundation launched a pilot project to train Tibetan English language teachers in teaching English in Tibetan medium. 4 teachers in 2 township schools received training and teaching materials.

School management training:

9 principals received training in school management in 2004: 9 principals from seven target schools completed training conducted by Save the Children UK in school management, including teacher management, finance, and accounting. Tibetan language resources in school management were disseminated to trainees.
13 school principals and administrators received training in 2007: At a second training, 13 school principals were trained in school management and ToT methodology and received training resources in Tibetan language. These participants will in turn train other administrators.

Improving school infrastructure and equipment:

8 village schools rebuilt: 4 village schools in Rongpo Township, 1 in Sertam Township, 1 in Benkar Township, and 2 in Yangshö were restored.
4 schools receive new equipment: 4 township level schools serving 1,436 students received new equipment, including bedding for students, physical education equipment, musical instruments, mimeograph machines, and small infrastructure upgrades. 1 additional school received a mimeograph machine.

Learning resources:

2,785 copies of Tibetan language teaching materials distributed: Supplementary reading materials were distributed to 3 township schools in Driru County and two township schools in Sok County.

project goals & context | project description | activities & achievements

project: quick facts

duration: April 2004 – May 2006

budget: $547,163
(TF Contribution $493,556, 91%)

location:
Tibetan Autonomous Region, Nakchu Prefecture, Sok County, Rongpo and Sertam townships and Driru County, Datang, Benkar, and Yangshö townships

NPE project partners:

• Nakchu Prefecture Education Bureau
• Sok County Education Bureau
• Driru County Education Bureau
• Sok County Primary School
• Driru County Primary School
• Datang Township Primary School
• Benkar Township Primary School
• Yangshö Township Primary School
• Rongpo Township Primary School
• Sertam Township Primary School

project summary Nakchu Prefecture Primary Education Project

project goals & context

project description

activities & achievements

project: quick facts

project summary
Nakchu Prefecture Primary Education Project