last update 2005.2.23

SVS Kindergarten/Preschool Development Project (SVSKDP)

This is a 50% Grant/50% Loan-based project designed to help low-income preschools provide basic facilities and teaching materials in an effort to improve preschool education.

The value of each grant/loan shall not exceed Rs. 5,000 per preschool per year. If a preschool applies for the maximum amount or any lesser amount, 50% of that will be considered a no-interest loan which shall be repaid in monthly installments within a two-year time period.

To be eligible, a preschool must meet the following criteria

• The average salary of teachers is Rs. 1,000 or less
• The preschool enrolls at least 18 children
• The preschool is separate from any privately-owned household
• The preschool will be able to repay 50% of the total value of the grant/loan within the two-year limit and can show evidence of this ability (e.g. through a signed statement from a parents’ association, village council, women’s organization, or other responsible organization).

A pilot project for SVSKDP was started in 1997 in two areas: Embilipitiya and Pasgoda. 18 preschools from Embilipitiya and 5 from Pasgoda received funds of Rs. 5,000 in September 1997 at the second SVS teacher training workshop held in Embilipitiya. The follwing pictures show what each of those preschools did with the SVSKDP funds.

Photo Gallery