First Two Bagh Schools Open Under the “One Bagh, One School” Initiative

The Ministry of Education and UNICEF Mongolia, with support from Khan Bank, have advanced the One Bagh, One School initiative with the opening of two new bagh schools. The facilities, each serving 75 children, have now been inaugurated at the Uench border unit in Khovd Province and the Borshoo border port in Uvs Province. With these new schools, children in remote communities can learn close to home in a safe and supportive environment.

Across Mongolia, more than 36,000 children leave home each September to live in dormitories or with relatives solely to access education. This separation places emotional and social strain on young children, heightening risks of loneliness, anxiety, and weakened family ties. Many households are even compelled to maintain separate living arrangements to ensure their children can attend school, creating added social and economic pressure.

To address these persistent challenges, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF jointly launched the One Bagh, One School initiative—an intervention designed to ensure that children in rural and remote areas can receive quality education while living with their families.

"The One Bagh, One School initiative provides a comprehensive solution that ensures children—no matter where they live—can access quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. To expand the initiative for all children, continued government leadership, strong private-sector engagement, and sustained partnerships will be essential" say Evariste Koussi Komlan, UNICEF Representative to Mongolia. 

Ms. R.Munkhtuya, CEO of Khan Bank and UNICEF Mongolia National Ambassador, says, "We are pleased to collaborate on this meaningful project that brings education closer to Mongolia’s youngest citizens—our future. The One Bagh, One School initiative is a purposeful and forward-looking effort that aligns closely with Khan Bank’s values of growing together with our customers, businesses, society, and country".  

Bagh schools feature advanced insulation, heating, and ventilation systems, solar energy sources, and modern water and sanitation facilities.

But buildings are only the beginning—the quality of teaching and learning inside the classroom is what ultimately shapes children’s futures. Each school is equipped high-speed internet, digital learning spaces and fully equipped kitchens. Teachers have also received training in child-centered, multi-grade, and blended teaching methods to ensure inclusive, engaging learning for all students.

With the Uench and Borshoo bagh schools—constructed by the General Authority for Border Protection—now operational, children can learn, play, and grow while staying close to their families. Three more bagh schools in Tuv and Selenge provinces will open soon. Join us in this initiative and help build more bagh schools for children in remote communities.