On the advice of the Quality Education Fund Steering Committee (QEFSC), the Trustee of the Quality Education Fund (QEF), the Director of Education Incorporated has approved grants totaling $1,150 million for 1 592 projects in the fourth call for applications to the fund.
Vetting of the 3 507 applications received during the fourth call for applications to the QEF has been completed, except a few applications which remain to be further considered by the QEFSC.
The grants included the provision of $200 million for the purchase of over 23 400 notebook computers for more than 500 public-sector secondary schools, in response to the CE's policy address made last October. There was a matching grant of $63 million provided to 241 schools for the installation of air-conditioners in classrooms and libraries. The grants also covered the provisions of $162 million for the engagement of Information Technology Coordinators for 751 schools, $46 million for the purchase of 2 107 data and video projectors for 160 schools, and $243 million for the construction of multi-media learning centres and information technology learning centres in 213 schools
Apart from the above projects, there were eight projects approved with grants over $5 million each. The scope of the projects covered English development programme, school-based curriculum, teachers' professional development, school improvement and promotion of Chinese culture.
The approved projects all aim to enhance the quality of school education, promote effective learning and all-round development, improve school-based management and encourage the wider use of information technology in teaching and learning.
"I am glad to see the enthusiastic response to our fourth call for applications for grants from the QEF. The quality and variety of successful projects clearly demonstrate the continuous efforts of schools in making use of the Fund for self-improvement and innovation in line with the broad direction of our education reform," said Mr Irving Koo, Chairman of QEFSC.
The Promotion and Monitoring Sub-committee of the QEFSC and the QEF Secretariat will continue to work in collaboration with the grantees to ensure that the intended results of funded projects are achieved, and that the outcomes of projects are properly evaluated.
End/Friday, June 29, 2001