The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a significant commitment of a $30 million grant aimed at enhancing the education system in Kiribati. This funding will support the Equitable Access to Quality Education Project, which focuses on providing high-quality primary and secondary education for students throughout the nation.
The initiative is set to finance the construction of modern and disaster-resilient classrooms, recreational facilities, and dormitories, specifically designed to cater to the varying needs of both boys and girls. Additionally, the project includes provisions for student transport vehicles, enhancements to the educational curriculum with an emphasis on digital technology, and robust training programs for teachers to uplift their skills.
Aaron Batten, the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office, highlighted the project’s vital role in tackling educational barriers, particularly for children in remote island communities. He stated, “By improving transport, classrooms, digital learning, and teacher training, more children will complete their education.”
This $30 million grant is sourced from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF) and is complemented by an additional $5 million in cofinancing provided by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The collaborative effort also aligns with the longstanding Kiribati-Australia Education Program, aiming to enhance educational opportunities over a decade.
Laura Frigenti, CEO of GPE, stated that equitable access to education begins with well-equipped schools and that the collaboration with ADB and the Australian government is paving the way for robust educational infrastructure. She emphasized, “By joining forces with ADB and the Government of Australia, we can mobilize the resources needed to build resilient education infrastructure and ensure every child in Kiribati has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”
The investment demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure that children’s education is prioritized, particularly in vulnerable communities. By providing the necessary infrastructure and resources, this project embodies a hopeful outlook for the future of education in Kiribati, heralding a new era where every child has the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of their geographical challenges.
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