On a momentous occasion for Mongolia's educational sector, the Mongolian Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a crucial additional financing agreement valued at USD 15 million. This strategic initiative aims to improve access to top-tier education across pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels. The signing ceremony, conducted in Ulaanbaatar, featured ADB East Asia Department Director General Muhammad Ehsan Khan and Mongolian Minister of Finance Javkhlan Bold formalizing this collaborative effort.
"Economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant cuts in the education budget", highlighted Mr. Khan during the ceremony. He highlighted the danger of worsening educational disparities caused by the pandemic, especially for underprivileged children. This supplementary funding serves as a ray of hope for addressing these setbacks by enlarging school infrastructure, guaranteeing the persistence and excellence of education despite economic challenges.
The ongoing project, the Sustaining Access to and Quality of Education During Economic Difficulties Project, with a budget of USD 50 million, commenced in November 2017, establishing the foundation for enhancing educational access and standards. Focusing on areas like Gobi-Altai, Darkhan-Uul, Gobisumber, and Ulaanbaatar city, this initiative has played a vital role in the construction and expansion of 21 schools and kindergartens. Furthermore, it facilitates reforms in curriculum and assessment systems, provisions educational resources, and offers training for educators, school administrators, and local education authorities. This endeavor not only reinforces the planning and management of educational services but also enhances climate adaptation and resilience within school infrastructures.
With the infusion of additional financing, the project's ambit will extend to encompass the building, enlargement, and equipping of three fresh schools and six kindergartens, elevating the overall count to 30 educational facilities. This expansion holds the potential to positively impact more than 7000 children, providing them with avenues for a promising tomorrow. Supported by the Asian Development Bank's concessional ordinary capital resources, the project is slated for completion by February 2027, signifying a noteworthy stride in alleviating disruptions stemming from climate-related challenges and augmenting energy efficiency within educational institutions.
Amid Mongolia's journey through post-pandemic recovery, the partnership between the Mongolian Government and ADB stands as a pivotal endeavor to strengthen the country's educational infrastructure. By tackling present obstacles and establishing a foundation for sustainable progress, Mongolia is positioned to provide its youth with the education they merit, setting the stage for a resilient and enlightened tomorrow.
