World Bank has pledged a grant of approximately Tk500 crore to support the training of primary school teachers in Bangladesh.
This financial assistance, provided under the auspices of UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), will primarily benefit the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, with the majority of the funds allocated for teacher training.
The first instalment of the grant is expected in January next year, with a significant portion directed towards enhancing teacher capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the World Bank, facilitated by UNICEF, is offering a total of Tk1,000 crore in grants.
Of this, 45% will be allocated to the ministry’s initiatives.
A workshop on this matter was held on Sunday (6 October), where the ministry’s Secretary Farid Ahmed, was present.
When asked for details, Farid Ahmed explained that although the grant was initially expected post-COVID, the agreement was nearly cancelled due to various delays.
However, through joint efforts, the contract has been successfully preserved. He further stated that the funds will be used for the development of primary education.
According to insiders, the grant is divided into three categories: System Capacity, System Transformation, and the Multi-Plan Grant. The System Capacity segment focuses on the development of teachers, advanced training, and professional development for ministry officials and staff. The funds will largely be used to enhance teacher training, and a portion will also be spent on streamlining services through the use of Information Technology (IT).
A ministry official involved with the development sector mentioned that currently, primary school teachers receive two types of training, though these are insufficient.
The new grant will provide comprehensive training aimed at improving mental agility, teaching methods, and other essential skills required in modern education.
The official added that over five years, the ministry is expected to receive around Tk500 crore, distributed in four instalments each year. The first instalment, amounting to Tk 67 crore, is expected in January next year. The funds will be utilised to enhance teacher training and overall education quality in the primary sector.
