ISFD Board Approves Contribution to Smart-Ed Projects in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, December 15, 2024 – The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) Board of Directors has approved the ISFD contribution to two Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE Smart-Ed Projects for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Education Services in Uzbekistan and Improving Access to and Quality of Inclusive Learning Opportunities for All Children in the Kyrgyz Republic during its 92nd meeting. The projects are designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, aligning with the ISFD's mandate of poverty reduction through human capital development, the national and educational strategies of both countries, the IsDB’s education sector policy and its pillar of enhancing basic education, and the SDG-4 that aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.
The ISFD's contribution to these two projects, US$10 million each, underscores the Fund’s commitment to improving education quality in the IsDB member countries.
The Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE Smart-Ed Project in Uzbekistan
The Uzbekistan project, with a total cost of US$220.25 million, will significantly enhance educational opportunities for thousands of students. Key components include the construction of 2,431 classrooms, the establishment of 58 new schools, and the development of competency-based curricula and teaching materials. Additionally, the project will train 36,115 teachers, enroll 72,930 students, and recruit 4,280 new teachers.
The Joint IsDB/ISFD/GPE/ Smart-Ed Project in Kyrgyz Republic
The Kyrgyz Republic project, valued at US$76.31 million, will focus on improving access and quality of education for 11,800 students per year in 68 new inclusive education facilities, provide professional development for over 37,000 teachers, and develop new competency-based teaching and learning materials. Furthermore, the project will provide 5,000 teachers with laptops and offer capacity building to over 6,000 teachers and education experts, fostering a more skilled and effective education workforce.
“We are proud to support these significant education projects in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic,” stated Dr. Hiba Ahmed, the ISFD Director General. “These projects are expected to have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students and teachers in both countries. By prioritizing education, the ISFD is empowering future generations and contributing to the sustainable development of these countries.”
These two smart education projects in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are not only empowering students and teachers but also laying the foundation for long-term social development within the two IsDB member countries.
