ENSURING EQUITY IN EDUCATION THROUGH THE 13 YEARS GUARANTEED EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Abstract

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Sri Lanka has introduced a key policy initiative to strengthen equity in education by guaranteeing equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of disparities. To achieve this goal, the MoE launched the "13 Years of Guaranteed Education" program (13YGEP) in 2017, targeting the Grade 12 and 13 curriculums for GCE O/L dropout students. The program aims to provide opportunities for students who fail the G.C.E O/L to qualify for GCE A/L and continue their school education by pursuing vocational subjects. This study is based on a sample of 40 teachers, 40 principals, 10 SLEAS officers, 2 Divisional Directors, 40 PSI coordinators, and all 40 SDEC members involved in the program. The primary objective of this study is to examine the implementation of the 13YGEP in schools within the Paddiruppu education zone. Specifically, it aims to assess the effectiveness of the 13YGEP in promoting equity and equal opportunities in education for all children. The findings of this study reveal that teachers, school principals, and educational administrators generally lack a comprehensive understanding of the 13YGEP's significance and its proper implementation within schools. In this context, this study intends to provide practical guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of the 13YGEP in fostering equity in education across all schools. Data analysis employed graphical data analysis techniques. The findings indicate that 11.55% of the students who followed the program were enrolled, while 88.46% of the students were not enrolled in the last six years because these students dropped out from the 13YGEP program. The small sample size, limited geographical coverage, and short-term experience with the program are the key limitations of this study. Such surveys should be conducted continuously to monitor equity and equal opportunities for all in education through this program.