Equitable Access to Quality Education Project

proposed

The Equitable Access to Quality Education Project in Kiribati seeks to address disparities in access, quality, and equity within the education system, particularly for students residing in the outer Gilbert Islands. The project is aligned with national and regional frameworks, including the Education Sector Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and the Kiribati Partnership Compact. The project has three outputs. Output 1 focuses on expanding gender-responsive, climate-resilient education infrastructure. This includes replacing vulnerable, temporary classrooms with disability-accessible, climate-resilient facilities across nine outer island primary schools. Upgrades also extend to student dormitories at King George V School and the Kiribati Teachers College (KTC), improving access for boys and encouraging more male teachers from outer islands. Additional interventions include the provision of light trucks for student transport, piloting inclusive safety and maintenance protocols, and training transport operators on gender and child safety. Trained maintenance officers will be deployed and supported for two years to ensure sustainability.Output 2 aims to strengthen curriculum, assessments, and delivery systems by addressing student retention (push and pull factors). It includes upgrading the digital technology curriculum, establishing digital technology resources or computer labs in junior secondary schools, and enhancing family-life education. Interactive and age-appropriate content will support students' understanding of gender equality, violence prevention, and reproductive health. Output 3 expands teacher training and community engagement. Teachers will receive in-service training on updated curricula, digital skills, gender-responsive teaching methods, and strategies to engage boys. Community-based activities will promote positive social norms and student retention. A dropout prevention pilot and a new attendance tracking system will be implemented in project schools.