Ulaanbaatar, November 18, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The Ministry of Education and UNICEF Mongolia, with support from Khan Bank, have opened the first two bagh schools at the Uyench border unit in Khovd aimag and the Borshoo border port in Uvs aimag, under the “One Bagh, One School” initiative. The new schools, each designed to serve 75 children, will enable children in remote communities to study close to home in a safe, supportive environment.

Across Mongolia, only 44 of the country's 1575 baghs currently have primary schools, forcing more than 36,000 children to leave home each September to stay in dormitories or with relatives to attend school. This separation imposes emotional and social strain on young children, increasing risks of loneliness, anxiety, and weakened family ties. Many households are also forced to maintain separate living arrangements to ensure children can attend school, creating additional social and economic burdens.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Education and UNICEF jointly launched the “One Bagh, One School” initiative to ensure that children in rural and remote areas can receive quality education while remaining with their families.

“The One Bagh, One School initiative provides a comprehensive solution that ensures children, no matter where they live, can access quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. To expand the initiative for all children, continued government leadership, strong private sector engagement, and sustained partnerships will be essential,” said Evariste Kouassi-Komlan, UNICEF Mongolia Representative.

“We are pleased to collaborate on this meaningful project that brings education closer to Mongolia’s youngest citizens—our future. The Bagh School initiative is a purposeful and forward-looking effort that aligns with Khan Bank’s values of growing together with our customers, businesses, society, and country,” said Munkhtuya Rentsenbat, CEO of Khan Bank and UNICEF Mongolia National Ambassador.

Bagh schools are built with advanced insulation, heating, and ventilation systems, solar energy sources, and modern water and sanitation facilities. Each school also features high-speed internet, digital learning spaces, and fully equipped kitchens. Teachers have received training in child-centered, multi-grade, and blended teaching methods to ensure inclusive, engaging learning for all students.

Three more bagh schools in Tuv and Selenge aimags will open soon, further expanding access to education in rural areas. Under the joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and private-sector partners, around 60 additional bagh schools are planned by 2027, further expanding access to education for children in remote areas.