Education Reform Support (ERSP) Quarterly Report (June –Sept. 2009)

The program has four components, which were negotiated by the Ministry and USAID. The ERSP team has had to redefine and renegotiate with others in the Ministry the objectives and activities of the program due to the resignation of the Minister of Education and the reassignment of the USAID Education Team Leader. The ERSP team has made significant progress in developing a strong relationship with the Ministry of Education, despite the challenges posed by the delayed start date of the Ministry's ERfKE II reform. The team has invested considerable time in start-up activities, including relationship building, technical planning, and setting up office operations. By the end of the quarter, the Creative ERSP office was operational, and the partners expanded their capacity to meet the expectations of ERSP. The ERSP program has four components, each with specific objectives and activities. Component Area 1 focuses on Early Childhood Education, with objectives including strengthened capacity of Ministry ECE staff, improved and sustained early childhood facilities, and enhanced skills and behaviors of ECE personnel. Component Area 2 addresses Youth, Technology, and Careers, with objectives including enhanced MIS curriculum, institutionalized school-to-career program, and improved life skills education. Component Area 3 focuses on Professional Development and Credentialing, with objectives including development and implementation of an induction program for teachers, in-service professional development, and change leadership training for principals and supervisors. Component Area 4 aims to improve School-Based Management through decision-making, with objectives including improved capacity at the school level, improved capacity at the central and field directorate levels, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation of the JEI. The ERSP team has made notable achievements, including the approval of the annual work plans by the Ministry of Education. The team has also invested significant time in developing a strong relationship with the Ministry and has made progress in setting up office operations. Despite the challenges posed by the delayed start date of the Ministry's ERfKE II reform, the ERSP team remains optimistic that it will be able to complete the targets set for this annual plan period.