Country: Marshall Islands Source: Pacific Community RMI PSS, with support from GPE and UNICEF, embark on a new US$2.5 million partnership to boost a more resilient and culturally grounded education system across elementary schoolsMajuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 20 June 2025– For the first time in the Republic of the Marshall Islands' (RMI) history, every public elementary school will be powered and connected. This initiative brings life-changing access to electricity and the internet to even the most remote islands, ensuring every child can learn, no matter their location.The 'Connecting our Islands for Learning' project, developed and to be implemented by the Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System (RMI PSS), will transform classrooms through digital innovation. This project made possible by funding from The Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and supported by UNICEF, also marks a significant step forward in culturally sustaining education, building upon the long-standing efforts within the RMI to ensure students see their own culture, language, and daily lives reflected in their learning.“GPE stands by The Republic of the Marshall Islands in its endeavour to transform its education system and ensure that every child, regardless of their location or background, has access to quality learning opportunities,” said the GPE’s Chief Executive Officer, Laura Frigenti. “The Marshall Islands’ commitment to fostering inclusive and culturally relevant education is vital to ensure that all children are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century."While most of the population resides in Majuro and Ebeye, where schools generally have access to power and internet, this is not the case for remote islands. Delivering educational supplies to these areas is slow and costly, relying on boats or small planes, which are particularly unreliable during weather emergencies. Teachers in these communities often have limited access to training, and many students must leave their home islands to complete their education. These challenges contribute to significant and lasting inequalities in access to quality learning.Furthermore, some existing lessons have limited connection to local life, language, the environment or the individual realities of students. This can make it harder for students – particularly those on remote islands and with special needs – to stay engaged. There is also a notable lack of materials in Marshallese and few resources that genuinely reflect students’ real-world experiences.“The RMI conveys gratitude to the GPE and partners for their assistance and involvement,” stated Hon. Minister, Gerald Zackios, of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training. “The ‘Connecting Our Islands for Learning’ Project is the culmination of what partnerships can achieve. This success brings into fruition the importance of inclusive education where all school children, irrespective of their educational differences, can learn and thrive. It will foster a learning environment where barriers are removed, and school children are given opportunities to incorporate the value of culture in learning. The project will enable teacher connections with PSS Headquarters, other schools, families, and of course, with students.”This new initiative will address challenges by not only expanding solar power, internet access, and teacher support, but also by protecting the rich cultural heritage of the islands, through culturally relevant, place-based, and inclusive digitally accessible teaching and learning resources.“This project is not just about power and internet – it is about equity, identity, and opportunity. By connecting remote schools and honouring Marshallese culture, we will be reducing dropout rates, supporting special needs, and creating flexible, inclusive pathways to education for all,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of North Pacific Field Office, Cromwell Bacareza. “We deeply appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this transformative initiative which the Republic of the Marshall Islands has embarked on.”All public elementary schools (79), students (6,494) and teachers (596) will directly benefit from this initiative that will commence from August this year. Over 40 per cent of these children are on the remote outer islands. Overall, all teachers and schools, including secondary and private schools, will benefit from the learning platforms and teacher support mechanisms enabled by the digital connectivity.Media contactsZubnah KhanCommunication OfficerUNICEF PacificTel: +679 330 0439 Ext. 175Tel: 9988137Email: zukhan@unicef.org