Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) The Pearson Foundation Monday joined the ?Support My School? (SMS) initiative - a public-private partnership which aims to create a healthy environment for children to study in rural areas - with the inauguration of two libraries in Haryana’s Sonepat district.

The libraries have been set up in government schools in Khewra and Jhundpur villages of the district.

The “Support My School” campaign was launched early this year with the specific goal of establishing learning environments and improving basic amenities in rural areas, a statement issued by Pearson India Monday said.

The Pearson Foundation will serve as a ?learning partner? for the initiative. It will provide support to teachers and help outfit classrooms and libraries in 100 schools across the nation.

In addition, Pearson India’s businesses will add additional local support by providing localised teacher’s training materials and classroom supplies.

The ?Support My School? campaign was created by NDTV and Coca-Cola in association with NGO partners, UN-Habitat, CAF and Sulabh International.

?Helping teachers and students is key to improving the fortunes for everyone in these rural communities,? said Pearson Foundation president and CEO Mark Nieker.

?Better classrooms, well-stocked libraries, and improved teacher training are great ways to build upon the exiting achievements of this innovative campaign,? Nieker said.

Work is already underway in several additional communities in Haryana in which the partners are also working together to provide improved access to water; increased water conservation; better sanitation and landscaping; and enhanced sporting facilities, a Pearson India official said.