The World Bank has approved a $35 million project to support over 5 lakh adolescents in Meghalaya by addressing key challenges in education, health and skill development. The initiative titled the Meghalaya Multisectoral Project for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Resilience (MPOWER), aims to reduce school and dropout rates, improve learning outcomes, prepare young people for employment opportunities. The project is aimed at strengthening learning outcomes for adolescents in grades 6-12, by closing gaps in students’ reading and mathematics skills. To reduce dropout rates, the project will equip students with life skills, mental health awareness and provide guidance on career choices.
Special focus will be on reaching student dropouts and providing them with the same support.The project is also partnering with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, and will impart business skills to budding entrepreneurs and out-of-school adolescents. The $35 million variable spread loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 15 years, including a grace period of 5 years.
