Armenia Secures $293 Million ADB Loan to Fortify Schools

Armenia has finalized a $293 million financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank to accelerate its Seismic Safety Improvement Program. This third phase of the initiative focuses on reconstructing 50 educational facilities to meet international earthquake-resilience standards, ensuring safer environments for thousands of students and local communities across the country.

Editorial·July 18, 2026·reads: 519

Armenia Secures $293 Million ADB Loan to Fortify Schools

The latest infusion of capital builds on previous ADB support totaling $160.8 million provided since 2015. With 46 schools already retrofitted or rebuilt, the program targets infrastructure in rural areas where structural vulnerabilities often hinder educational access. These new facilities are designed to serve as dual-purpose hubs, functioning as secure community shelters during regional emergencies.

Lyaziza Sabyrova, ADB Country Director for Armenia, noted that these modernized spaces prioritize inclusivity, specifically improving accessibility for students with disabilities and those from low-income households. Beyond physical construction, the project mandates the training of teachers and administrators in disaster preparedness. This administrative shift aims to minimize academic disruptions while standardizing emergency response protocols across the national education system.