Transforming education in Kiribati

Spread across 3,300 km in the Pacific Ocean, the geographic dynamics of Kiribati pose a challenge to education delivery. While enrollment and retention rates are strong for primary education, enrollment is at 79% for junior secondary and drops to 57% for senior secondary.

With many children not participating in education, the government is working with GPE and other partners to reduce barriers and strengthen equitable and inclusive quality education for all children. As outlined in Kiribati’s Partnership Compact, improving school infrastructure and equipment, including resources to support multiple learning styles and students with special needs, is expected to improve access to learning.

Kiribati aims to strengthen the capacities of teachers and school leaders, focusing on learner-centered and inclusive pedagogical approaches. To boost learning and rates of retention and completion, the overall relevance of education will be strengthened through skills development and community engagement in learning.

Transversal to Kiribati’s efforts to transform its education system are commitments to:

  1. Improve the collection and use of data to inform policy planning and implementation, and
  2. Ensure ICT support and school connectivity for improved education access and teaching.

Key data

10%

out-of-school rate for children of lower-secondary school age

90%

of children start learning one year before entering primary school

90%

of primary teachers have the minimum required qualifications

19%

of government expenditure on education

Grants

(data as of December 30, 2024)

 
  • Type: Program development

    Years: 2024 - 2025

    Allocation: US$200,000

    Utilization: 0

    Grant agent: ADB

  • Type: System capacity

    Years: 2023 - 2028

    Allocation: US$1,000,000

    Utilization: US$380,009

    Grant agent: UNICEF

  • Type: Program implementation

    Years: 2021 - 2025

    Allocation: US$14,997,510

    Utilization: US$3,073,318

    Grant agent: ADB

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