Tajikistan, 05 October 2023 

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, officially inaugurated today in Tajikistan, Shahrinav School, with the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Abdullzoda Ziyodullo. The school was inaugurated as part of the fourth phase of the “Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools” project in Tajikistan, for which SFD had previously made a contribution of $35 million USD, and which will benefit 25,000 students in the country.

Attending the inauguration ceremony were the Representative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Akramzoda Mahmadyusuf, the Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Alreshiadan, the Chairman of Shahrinav district, Valizoda Abduqodir, and the Director of PIU, Vohidzoda Umeda, alongside other officials from both sides.

The new school will contribute towards meeting the country’s educational needs, and will accommodate 36 classrooms and 620 students, ensuring that more youth gain access to quality education. It is one of 34 new schools built as part of the fourth phase of the “Constructing and Equipping of Secondary Schools” project.

In addition to improving the lives of Tajik students, the school’s inauguration signifies an important event for the country, as education lies at the heart of socio-economic development.  Moreover, it will contribute towards the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Abdullzoda Ziyodullo, said: “I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development support they have 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.”

On his part, the CEO of the SFD, H.E Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “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.” SFD’s CEO also praised the longstanding relationship between SFD and the Republic of Tajikistan, which extends for over 20 years.

The inauguration of the new school coincides with World Teachers’ Day, which is held annually on 5 October to celebrate the work of teachers around the globe, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession. It comes as a continuation of SFD’s support towards the education sector in Tajikistan. Since the start of SFD’s operations in the country, 4 development projects in the education sector have been financed to construct and equip 57 secondary schools across 4 phases, in different regions, with a total funding amount of $75 million USD.

SFD has financed 12 development projects in Tajikistan, worth over $193 million USD, in the education, health, water and transportation sectors. This underlines SFD’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in developing countries around the world. With decades of expertise since its establishment in 1974, it has implemented more than 700 development projects, worth $18.7 billion USD, in over 90 countries.