Tajikistan, October 05, 2023, In a significant event today, Sultan Al-Marshad, the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), joined hands with Abdullzoda Ziyodullo, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, to officially inaugurate the Shahrinav School in Tajikistan. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of the fourth phase of the "Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools" project, a transformative initiative in Tajikistan, generously funded by the SFD to the tune of $35 million. The project is set to positively impact the lives of a staggering 25,000 students across the country.
Among the distinguished attendees at the inauguration ceremony were Akramzoda Mahmadyusuf, representing the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, Waleed Alreshiadan, the Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan, Valizoda Abduqodir, the Chairman of Shahrinav district, and Vohidzoda Umeda, the Director of PIU, along with several other officials from both nations.
This newly inaugurated school is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing Tajikistan's pressing educational needs. Boasting 36 classrooms and the capacity to accommodate 620 students, it's a beacon of hope for youth seeking access to quality education. The Shahrinav School is one among a cohort of 34 new educational institutions constructed as part of the fourth phase of the "Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools" project.
Beyond its immediate impact on students in Tajikistan, the school's inauguration symbolizes a momentous event for the entire nation. Education is widely recognized as the cornerstone of socio-economic development, and this endeavor aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which pertains to Quality Education, and SDG 8, which focuses on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Abdullzoda Ziyodullo, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, conveyed, "I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development support it has provided in the education sector, through SFD. Education is vital towards supporting Tajikistan’s development plans, and is closely tied to socio-economic growth in our country, and the prosperity of our people."
Sultan Al-Marshad, the CEO of the SFD, emphasized the organization's commitment to education, stating, "SFD believes in the importance of education, which is key to empowering all students. It raises their competencies, develops their skills, enhances their capabilities, and qualifies them for vital opportunities in their lives. This school’s inauguration is part of a broader educational project, aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of Tajikistan across the entire country." Al-Marshad also highlighted the enduring partnership between SFD and the Republic of Tajikistan, which spans over two decades.
This momentous inauguration coincides with World Teachers’ Day, an annual celebration held on October 5th to honor the invaluable contributions of teachers worldwide and chart a path forward for the teaching profession. It is also a testament to SFD's unwavering commitment to the education sector in Tajikistan. Since its inception in the country, SFD has financed four development projects in the education sector, resulting in the construction and equipping of 57 secondary schools across four phases, spread across various regions, with a cumulative funding of $75 million.
Notably, SFD has supported 12 development projects in Tajikistan, amounting to over $193 million, spanning sectors such as education, health, water, and transportation. This underscores SFD's dedication to fostering sustainable development in developing nations across the globe. With more than four decades of expertise since its establishment in 1974, SFD has successfully implemented over 700 development projects, with a total investment exceeding $18.7 billion, in over 90 countries.
