A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990

The study is concerned with an evaluation of the Primary School Improvement Project (PSIP) which has been implemented in Burma since 1982, assisted by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The project aims to improve the physical learning environment for primary school students by providing building materials and technical assistance with regard to adequate physical facilities, i.e. school buildings, hygienic water supply and sanitation systems, secure school compounds with sports and play areas and also functional school gardens. The project is expected to contribute towards improvements in the educational performance of the schools, primarily with regard to increasing the low retention rates and decreasing the Mgh drop-out rates among the students . The analysis (based on 30 sample schools) is divided into three parts, namely (1) the degree of completion of project components and the improvements in view of the pre-project conditions, (ii) correlation between project inputs and the educational variables, and (iii) a study of the project impact as perceived by the students, as the ultimate target group. The impact analysis was based on children's drawings depicting their schools. The results show partial improvements in both physical and educational aspects, but without significant correlation. However, the children's perceptions as expressed in their drawings, reflect a considerable impact especially in terms of their appreciation of the highly visible improvements (e.g., roofing materials) provided by UNICEF assistance. The findings from the sample study suggest possible improvements for a continuation of the PSIP, in terms of project management. and design.