The provincial School Board has appropriated about P6.6 million for the expansion of a project using television programs to enhance the learning ability of public elementary pupils and high school students in Oriental Negros, especially in science.

Aleli Abne, Negros Oriental Schools Division Superintendent, said the school board which she co-chairs decided a few weeks ago to expand the project, after noting that pupils and students of schools being piloted for the project showed great improvement in an achievement test.

In 2004, the school board and the provincial government began linking with the Knowledge Channel of ABS-CBN. Through satellite, four pilot schools in the towns of Pamplona, Sta. Catalina, La Libertad and Ayungon were able to hook up science programs of Knowledge Channel at a certain hour of the day, and become part of the lessons of the students or pupils.

The provincial government spent about P1 million for the initial implementation of the project.

This year, Abne said, aside from the P6.6 million for the expansion of the project to 60 schools, the provincial government is also looking for partners since the amount is not enough.

The funds will be used for the setting up of satellite discs that will allow the school to hook up the program, purchase of television sets and other expenditures, she said.

She added that, for the first year of operation, the schools are free of charge, after which, the province will have to pay. Abne said the target will be the hinterland schools with big enrollment and who have electricity.*RA

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