Brief information:

In 2015-2018, Save the Children, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports of Mongolia, implemented the “Strengthening Schools to Nurture Effective School Readiness and Learning Experiences in First Grade Children of Mongolia” project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 24 secondary schools in Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei and Songinokhairkhan districts of Ulaanbaatar. The project, which aimed to improve the adaptive and learning skills of first graders, particular those enrolled in preschool and living in difficult suburban conditions, had benefited more than 160,000 children in public schools in three suburban districts. These projects and initiatives can serve as models for improving the learning skills of first graders in the future, especially 6-year-old children who do not attend preschool.

Project goal:

To nurture and enhance the school readiness and transitional competencies of first grade children through transitional/start-up first grade programs offered in target public schools.

Project objectives:

1. Enhance knowledge, understanding, and capacity of educators and primary teachers in target schools through in-service training
   
2. Establish institutional support mechanisms and systems in target schools
   
3. Enhance awareness and engagements of parents/caretakers
   
4. Institutionalize and sustain successful models of school readiness and transition (start-up) programs through policy advocacy
   

Project target areas:

24 public primary schools in Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei and Songinokhairkhan districts of Ulaanbaatar

Project target group:

Primary school teachers, students and parents of 24 secondary schools in Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei and Songinokhairkhan districts in Ulaanbaatar

Project outcomes

• Over 204,000 people, including children, benefited from the project activities. 15,681 first grade students and 49,864 second to fifth grade students benefitted from the project’s various activities through their teachers.
  
• 1,523 primary education teachers improved their knowledge and skills related to school transition and learning experiences
  
• More than 46,000 parents/caretakers actively engaged in activities that supported a smooth school transition and learning experiences for their children. This led to greater parental involvement and close collaboration with schools and teachers.