On June 16, the “Asia Infrastructure Partnership Trust Fund 2 (‘Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2’: LEAP 2), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement totaling 10 million U.S. dollars with Schoolnet India Limited (hereinafter “SIL”), an education services company in the Republic of India. Of this amount, 5 million U.S. dollars will be provided through LEAP 2.
Scenes from the signing ceremony attended by SIL, ADB, and JICA
LEAP2 is a trust fund of up to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars that JICA contributes to the ADB for the purpose of providing financing for high-quality infrastructure projects implemented by the private sector in ADB-eligible countries in Asia and the Pacific. Projects funded by LEAP2 include initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve energy efficiency, and provide affordable and accessible healthcare, education, and telecommunications services.
This loan will be used by SIL to expand digital learning infrastructure for public schools, supporting the development of computer labs and digital classrooms, as well as the enhancement of teachers’ digital teaching skills. In India, the development of digital environments in school education has lagged behind; with computer lab coverage at approximately 26% and the adoption of smart classrooms at about 29%, these figures remain limited, posing significant challenges to the quality of education and access to it.
The introduction of a digital learning environment through this loan is expected to enhance SIL’s service delivery capabilities and provide high-quality educational opportunities. Furthermore, in addition to improving student learning outcomes, this project is expected to strengthen teachers’ instructional capabilities and enhance educational inclusivity. It is also anticipated to contribute to improving the quality of educational services and strengthening long-term educational infrastructure through the introduction of digital learning materials and efficient teaching methods. This project is also expected to increase the potential for private-sector investment in the education and digital infrastructure sectors, thereby expanding business opportunities for Japanese companies.
・Contributing to the SDGs
Goal 4 (Quality Education for All)
Goal 9 (Build the Foundations for Industry and Innovation)
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