UK and UNICEF to continue strengthening English Language Teachers’ capacity in Five More Provinces
Phase II to Reach Over 450 Teachers and 20,000 Children in Remote Areas
- English
- Mongolian
The Ministry of Education and UNICEF, with financial support from the UK Government, have signed an agreement to implement Phase II of the project titled “Breaking Language Barriers: Reaching Remote and Disadvantaged Communities Through English Teaching.”
Phase I of the project was implemented earlier this year. More than 320 English language teachers from all soums of Bayan-Ölgii, Bayankhongor, and Sukhbaatar provinces participated in over 100 hours of training, and 39 per cent of the teachers improved their English proficiency levels.
In addition, more than 540 students took part in 15 English-speaking clubs in these provinces. A total of 126 digital devices were provided to 26 schools across the three provinces, strengthening digital learning environments.
To ensure effective project implementation, 50 school managers and local government officials received training. Within the framework of the project, a research study was conducted on effective teacher training models for remote areas, generating knowledge and insights to inform future policy and programme development.
Despite the progress achieved during Phase I and ongoing government efforts, out of the total 3,200 English language teachers working in Mongolia, approximately 2,000—representing 62 per cent—still do not meet the minimum language proficiency standards required to deliver quality instruction. This challenge is more pronounced in remote areas, limiting students’ access to quality English education.
With English becoming a compulsory subject from Grade 3 starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, the large number of teachers with proficiency below the B1 level highlights the urgent need for programmes that strengthen and support teachers’ skills.
Therefore, the joint project will continue, aiming to improve the English language proficiency and teaching skills of more than 450 English language teachers in Bulgan, Arkhangai, Khuvsgul, Khentii, and Dundgovi provinces, while also training new mentor teachers. These teachers and mentors will reach and support more than 20,000 children.
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