Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. On October 20, the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a press tour for School no.149, which was recently built in the capital city’s Chingeltei district. 

In the framework of the JICA project funded by the non-refundable aid provided by the Government of Japan, construction work for two new school buildings as well as extensions for two schools kicked off in 2017. One of the schools is School no.149 located in 7th khoroo of Chingeltei district.

More specifically, studies were carried out for the project for the improvement of facilities for primary and secondary education in Ulaanbaatar city by JICA from January 2017, and an agreement was signed with the Government of Mongolia for the project’s implementation on November 30, 2017. In the project frames, construction work began to be carried out for two new school buildings and extensions for two schools, which includes:

• a new school in CHingeltei district, with a capacity of 720 students,

• a new school building for School no.75 of Khan-Uul district, with a capacity of 920 students,

• an extension for School no.109 of Nalaikh district, with a capacity of 320 students,

• an extension for School no.53 of Bayanzurkh district, with a capacity of 480 students.

As there were no schools in the territory of 7th khoroo in Chingeltei district previously, 780 children have begun to study at the new school that meets international standards. With an area of 5,040 square meters, the school has 18 classrooms - two of which are specifically designed to be accessible for children with disabilities. 

Alongside being built with environmentally-friendly construction materials, energy-efficient use has been introduced at the school. The school will also be utilizing wastewater treatment technology, highlighted the school principal E.Purevsuren. With halls for child development, arts, and lectures, there are laboratories and classrooms for chemistry, physics, and technology classes as well as a school library, sports hall, IT room, and faculty room.

Furthermore, the building for School no.149 can be used as a shelter or a warehouse during disasters as it is designed to withstand a 8.0-magnitude earthquake.

In order to create an environment that is accessible for children with disabilities, various features such as ramps and braille handles have been included.

Outside of the school, landscaping works were carried out to enable students to study outside during warm seasons. 

First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan to Mongolia Akira Ichioka said, “This is my first time visiting the school. Aside from classrooms, the school has been equipped with sports halls as well as laboratories for biology and chemistry classes. I believe that Mongolian students will be able to further improve their studies by studying at a school like this.”

During the school introduction, Principal of School no.149 E.Purevsuren said, “This year, there are about 27 students in each class. Although our school mainly enrolls children that live in the area, it is possible for parents to submit a request to enroll their children who have disabilities. In the future, we plan to involve our teachers in new programs and courses for teaching students with special needs.”