WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The World Bank has approved a US$30-million grant that will be used to improve learning and enrolment of students in the four departments of southern Haiti most affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Matthew.

It said the funds are being made available through the International Development Association (IDA), which is used primarily to assist poor countries.

 “In the aftermath of Matthew, many children are out of school and many schools continue to be used as temporary shelters,” said Mary Barton-Dock, World Bank Special Envoy to Haiti.

 “The aim is to reallocate resources from the “Education for All – Phase II” project, to scale up school feeding, rehabilitate schools, and help the Ministry of Education restore access and improve the quality of education for the children most in need.”

The World Bank said Hurricane Matthew, which hit the country on October 4, left 1.4 million people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, and recorded damage and losses of about 22 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The Washington-based financial institution said the hurricane damaged an estimated 3,400 schools and destroyed 500.

“This project is focusing on the government’s priorities to resume schooling for the children and families affected by Hurricane Matthew, and improve quality of teaching and learning, so children are better equipped for life and can fulfil their full potential,” said Jean Beauvois Dorsonne, Haiti’s Minister of Education.

The World Bank said the project would specifically finance school feeding in targeted schools, including the distribution of a breakfast snack and a hot lunch every day, as well as the delivery of vitamin A, deworming, water purification kits, and hygiene training.

The project will also support school enrolment through the provision of community education grants, school grants, and tuition waivers for about 50,000 children enrolled in selected public and private primary schools.

In addition, the World Bank said the project would rehabilitate or build classrooms in 75 primary schools; train teachers and school directors, and purchase school supplies for at least 100 public schools.