The International Programme for Educational Administrators (IPEA) conducted by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) established by the Government of India has called applications from all countries for the programme scheduled to be held from January 6 to 24, in New Delhi. Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry has published the announcement. IPEA is a short-term programme for educational planners and administrators which has been conceptualised keeping in view their workload and constraints to participate in a long-term programme.

The overall methodology of the programme comprises the principles and methods used for instruction with a special focus on case study methods and academic exercises at the micro level, besides focusing on educational and cultural field visits, and seminars by eminent educationists. The programme would be held in English medium therefore applicants are required to have satisfactory knowledge of both spoken and written skills. This three-week programme will enable educational officials to keep abreast of recent developments in educational planning and management, as well as share information including experiences with other participating countries and explore possibilities for adapting innovations and changes which have been implemented and are successful.

According to the announcement about 30 seats are available. The last date for accepting nominations is December 20. Application of the candidate in the prescribed form must be routed through the respective national government. All official applications will be reviewed from the academic perspective by NIEPA. Eligible participants will be enrolled according to the clearance from the Government of India. The Indian Government provides financial assistance under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) scheme.

Educational personnel engaged in the planning and administration of elementary and secondary education at the national, provincial, district or intuitional level and also at the system level, as well as heads of educational intuitions, regional and district education departments, teacher training colleges who are likely to assume higher responsibilities in educational planning and administration are eligible to take part in the programme. However, school teachers and university lecturers are not eligible to apply for the programme.

The programme is residential, and the institute provides hostel accommodation for all participants on a twin-sharing basis in NIEPA. The entire expenses of the candidates nominated under Government of India schemes are paid directly by the Government to the institute. During the course, spouses/ children are not allowed to stay with the participant. Medical care is available to participants for minor ailments (excluding eye testing, spectacles and dentures) in the hostel. The institute will provide only basic medical in-house care. For persisting ailments, participants are encouraged to take adequate travel and medical insurance at their own expense. NIEPA does not reimburse any expenses for medical treatment.

Therefore, such expenditure has to be borne by participants from their living allowance. Participants are advised to bring heavy woollen clothes as average temperatures in New Delhi for January would be around 7 minimum and 21C maximum. Participants are advised to obtain a visa for their stay in India for the relevant period of the programme plus one week of transit visa as well wherever necessary. Participants should fulfil the requirements of medical examination and possess the medical certificate at the time of their arrival at the international airport in New Delhi, India.

Further details and enquiries regarding nominations and the programme could be obtained by writing to the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (Deemed to be University), Department of Training and Professional Development in Education 17-B, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110 016, India. Nominating authorities as well as nominated participants wishing to make enquiries about the nomination form or funding can contact the programme coordinator via phone at (+91-11) 26544868, 26544871; EPABX: (+91-11) 26544800, 26544820; email [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; website: www.niepa.ac.in. -KW