THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $USD30 million grant to deliver high-quality primary and secondary education for students in Kiribati.
The Equitable Access to Quality Education Project will finance the construction of modern, disaster-resilient classrooms, recreational facilities, and dormitories, including features to meet the different needs of boys and girls. The project will also finance vehicles for student transport, enhance curricula to leverage opportunities from digital technology, and upskill teachers through training programs.
“This project removes the barriers that keep too many children, especially in outer island communities, from finishing school,” said the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office Aaron Batten.
“By improving transport, classrooms, digital learning, and teacher training, more children will complete their education.”
The $USD30 million grant is funded through ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF) and is supplemented by $USD5 million in cofinancing from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The project is designed to complement the Government of Australia’s 10-year Kiribati–Australia Education Program in Tungaru.
“Equitable access to quality education starts with safe, well-equipped schools,” said GPE Chief Executive Officer Laura Frigenti.
“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.”