The project was proposed by provincial Governor’s office when they identified capacity challenges in town’s school system. Students were studying in multiple shifts due to lack of classrooms creating unfavorable environment for students and teachers and Khanbogd children had limited access to kindergarten.

Khanbogd students will now be studying under teachers and management’s best practice from 'New Era' government laboratory school of Ulaanbaatar which has been implementing the globally up to date Cambridge school standard in the nation’s capital. The new school will apply the national curriculum implemented by international management standard for next three years with the aim of becoming a leader in natural science field in secondary education. The management costs and teacher training are covered by the fund.

According to a calculation by the Global Partnership for Education, “A 0.1% improvement in a country's education equality can, over 40 years, raise its per capita income by 23%.” The following investment into education aims to close the education gap between urban and rural Mongolia. Khanbogd students can now enjoy regular classroom schedule and utilize their after school time for research and development activities.

The school with 29 classrooms and the kindergarten with 8 classrooms are fully furnished and equipped with all the tools and equipment necessary for setting of learning with project budget at MNT 7.2 billion.

Oyu Tolgoi CEO Armando Torres said, “As you know, Khanbogd is a cornerstone for Oyu Tolgoi’s achievements and is one of the fastest growing development hubs in Mongolia. Therefore Oyu Tolgoi devoted its efforts to turning Khanbogd into a self-sustainable town through its contributions in critical infrastructures, such as power, water, roads, healthcare, environment and education. With the addition of this school and kindergarten complex, we are certain that the foundation of a robust community will be strengthened and many more doors will open for the future generations to come.”

Oyu Tolgoi has previously funded the construction of three kindergartens in Dalanzadgad soum and establishment of a special auditorium for children with disabilities in the secondary School No. 186 in Sukhbaatar district. In addition Oyu Tolgoi has provided local and domestic scholarships to over 1000 students and firmly believe in our vision of transforming natural wealth to enduring value, knowledge and skills to our countrymen.

source: ot.mn