At the event held on March 25 at the UN House in Mongolia, issues related to engaging youth in the "Overcoming Language Barriers" project, supported by the UK government and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education of Mongolia, were discussed. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
Attending the meeting were Sima Malhotra, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific at the UK Foreign Office; Minister of Education Naranbayar Purevsuren; UK Ambassador to Mongolia Fiona Blight; and representatives from UNICEF. The event brought together government officials, partners, teachers, and students involved in the project. After the presentation of the project results, an interactive session took place with the participation of schoolchildren and officials.
“During the annual political dialogue with the Prime Minister, we discussed the prospects for further strengthening the partnership between Mongolia and the UK, as well as progress in the implementation of the ambitious metro project in Ulaanbaatar. This project will change the lives of city residents and serve as an example for others, as well as expand cooperation in areas such as mining. I am proud to see the fruits of investments in education. Today's policymakers shape tomorrow's discussions, and through investments in the English language and the Chevening program, our countries are nurturing a new generation of leaders,” noted Sima Malhotra about her visit to Mongolia from March 23 to 25.
The "Overcoming Language Barriers" project has contributed to the professional development of 739 English language teachers in Mongolia and opened opportunities for 140,000 students through English conversation clubs and the provision of digital devices.
“For us, English teachers in remote areas, we become not just educators but a link to the world. I am grateful for the support of the project. The benefits are passed from us, the teachers, to the students,” shared English teacher Tuvshinmergen Batbold from Dundgovi aimag.
“Many of my students are children from families of eagle hunters. I thank the British Embassy for this project. It shows that dreams can come true anywhere in the world with the right support, and that students can maintain their unique culture while interacting with the world,” added English teacher Bahitgul Altai from Sagsai soum of Bayan-Ölgii aimag, located 1600 km from Ulaanbaatar.
Minister Sima Malhotra and student Zeynep Armanbek
“I come from a nomadic family, and the "Overcoming Language Barriers" project has opened not only a new language for me but also a completely new world. I have become more open and curious,” said Zeynep Armanbek, a student from Sagsai soum of Bayan-Ölgii aimag.
With the introduction of English as a mandatory subject starting from the 3rd grade in the 2025-2026 academic year, there is a need for programs that will help develop teachers' skills, especially among those who have a language proficiency below level B1.
On December 30, 2025, an agreement was signed for cooperation within the second phase of the "Overcoming Language Barriers: Reaching Socially Vulnerable Groups through English Language Teaching" project, which is being implemented jointly with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF with the support of the UK government.
The first phase of the project started in early 2025 and covered more than 320 English language teachers from various soums of Bayan-Ölgii, Bayankhongor, and Sukhbaatar aimags. They underwent training for 100 hours or more, resulting in 39% of them significantly improving their skills. Additionally, over 540 students participated in 15 English conversation clubs, and 126 digital devices were provided to 26 schools in three aimags, helping to create a digital educational environment.
The second phase of the project covers Bulgan, Arkhangai, Khövsgöl, Khentii, and Dundgovi aimags and aims to develop the language and pedagogical skills of more than 450 English language teachers, as well as train new mentors.
