Dalanzadgad soum, Umnugovi Province, Mongolia – As part of its commitment to transforming natural wealth to enduring value, knowledge and skill, Oyu Tolgoi LLC has completed the construction of a new school for 1,200 students and a kindergarten for 200 children in the Gurvan Saikhan residential area of Dalanzadgad soum. The project was funded through the Gobi Oyu Development Support Fund (DSF) in direct response to the needs of local residents.
Located on the outskirts of Dalanzadgad, Gurvan Saikhan is a newly developed settlement considered part of the soum’s new residential zone and located far from the city center. Education infrastructure in this area was previously limited, and children of kindergarten age had to travel 4 to 6 kilometers from their homes to access early education. These facilities now provide convenient, high-quality educational access for children, eliminating the need for long commutes and creating approximately 140 new jobs for teachers and support staff.
At the official opening, S. Erdenebat, Chief Executive Director of the DSF, noted:
“The school and kindergarten built in Gurvan Saikhan are a direct response to local community needs and aligned with the development strategies of Umnugovi Province and its soums. They significantly enhance access to basic social services. On the 10th anniversary of the DSF, we are proud to inaugurate one of the province’s most impactful education infrastructure projects. With a total investment of MNT 24.2 billion, this development is among the most significant education sector investments in any local area nationwide.”
Since its establishment in 2015, Oyu Tolgoi has contributed USD 5 million annually to the DSF to support sustainable development in Umnugovi. The fund has since invested over MNT 160 billion across various sectors, with MNT 46.3 billion directed toward 169 education-related projects, including school construction, equipment provision, and teacher training.
Notable DSF-supported initiatives include:
- The new 1,200-student school and 200-child kindergarten in Dalanzadgad soum
- A 640-student school and 200-child kindergarten in Khanbogd soum
- Kindergartens No. 25 and No. 26 (174-child capacity each) in Dalanzadgad
- The “Gobi Oyu – Student Scholarship” programme, which has supported 630 students with MNT 1.5 billion
- Full funding of the Umnugovi Natural History Museum, opened in May 2022
To further strengthen education in the region, the DSF is launching a 2024–2028 programme focused on improving leadership and educational quality across Umnugovi’s schools.
About the New School – School No.6
Commissioned on 29 March 2025, the new school was built with MNT 19.9 billion in funding and features four academic blocks, equipped to modern standards:
- General classrooms with whiteboards and learning tools
- Specialised labs for IT, chemistry, arts, and technology
- Acoustically treated music hall
- Gymnasium with sports facilities for basketball, volleyball, and tennis
- Library for 300 students
- Canteen serving up to 550 students per shift
- Teachers’ offices and support rooms
- Outdoor fields and running tracks developed to meet modern standards.
About the New Kindergarten – Kindergarten No.33
Opened on 1 September 2024, the kindergarten addresses a long-standing need for early childhood education in Gurvan Saikhan, where children previously had to travel up to 6 kilometres for preschool. Built with an investment of MNT 4.3 billion, the facility includes:
- Eight fully furnished classrooms with educational toys and AR learning games
- Music room with acoustic treatment and instruments
- Kitchen capable of preparing meals for 200 children
- Classrooms implementing the “Shimt” curriculum
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Outdoor play areas