1. Introduction

IPM is a combination of management strategies that farmers use to minimize the impact of pest and diseases on their crop. In ESCUP, several schools have selected this activity as part of their life skills program. IPM is an education process: the training methodology is complimentary to, and compatible with, the curriculum of rural schools. The innovative IPM field school education approach, conducted over a full crop cycle, using the "field as the book", can reinforce, and put in to practice, in a positive and enjoyable way what children are formally taught in school; specifically in subjects of art, literacy, basic science (biology, chemistry, and ecology), agriculture, health and nutrition.

2. Primary Objectives

• Teachers are able to prepare a unit of work that motivates their students to develop an interest in learning informally from the own environment and community members.
• Increasing the relevance of education for young children through life skills provisions and enhanced critical/creative thinking skills.
• Strengthening the relationship between school and communities.

3. Target group

• Schools who have selected this from the activity menu for their Cluster Improvement Plans.
• Students from Grade 5 and 6

4. Facilitators

• 1 IPM adviser from World Education and 2 assistant trainers from the province, preferably from agricultural office.
• 2 facilitators (1 teachers and 1 farmer) at local level take responsible for implementation of activity

5. Information on Implementation

The program requires 2 persons for one IPM Student Field School (1 teacher (who is part time farmer) and 1 farmer) will receive the basic training on IPM for 9 days at the provincial town (one full day per week on Sunday). The selected persons will then work for half day per week with 30 students in their school to conduct activities in the Student Field School (SFS). The student activities take place on Thursday as an extracurricular life skills activity. The proposed schedule is as follows:

Step 1: Finding interest groups

• Cluster / school director should identify individuals who are interested in promoting IPM Student Field Schools.
• Conduct a meeting with this group to explain more about the concept of a Student Field School and identify potential facilitators, who will receive training on how to prepare and implement the IPM activity

Step 2: Planning for IPM Student Field School (SFS)

• Identify the field (1000 squared meters) for the SFS and get the agreement of the owner (it would be easy if the field belongs to the school and the teachers who work in IPM teaching team).
• Locate a study space (classroom or sheltered area) not far from the field.

Step 3: Inform DOE/POE on implementation plan and getting approval from them

• Confirm the availabilities of funds and other resources
• If necessary, make a formal application to the POE through the school cluster and DOE to start IPM.

Step 4: Select students and meet with their parents

• Select group of 30 students from Grade 5-6. Students can be from one class or mixed classes from the same school or from mixed schools in the cluster as long as they do not have to travel too far.
• The group should have equal participation of girls and boys.
• Conduct meeting with all selected students, their parents or families member and SFS facilitators to clarify the responsibilities of every one involve in SFS and agree on starting date.

Step 5: Receive funds and purchase equipment

• Obtain funds from the cluster; the facilitators will have to sign a formal agreement taking responsibility for keeping and spending the money.

Step 6: Open the Student Field School

• Commence the SFS and implement the activity for 18 weeks

Note: School director should be invited for this meeting or approve the group's plans - the support of the director is necessary for use of school classrooms and equipment and in taking the proposal to DOE and POE.

6. Resources Needed

$450 per group of 30 children

• Community and state teachers
• Rice fields
• Learning materials
• Teacher remuneration