Education in the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands has expressed a strong commitment to transforming the education sector and addressing the needs and challenges of the Marshallese people.

National assessment data from 2023 shows that 55% of grade 3 children cannot read and understand simple text in Marshallese, and this figure jumps to 78% when assessing the most at-risk primary schools.

The government is working with GPE and other partners to have motivated, capable teachers delivering evidence-based learning in a suitable environment to give all children strong foundational skills, including traditional knowledge and climate education.

The Marshall Islands’ Partnership Compact details plans to achieve its priority reform. This includes support for teachers to address students’ individual learning needs, strengthen literacy and numeracy instruction, develop multi-level teaching skills, and incorporate ICT in their teaching.

Efforts to enhance the learning environment include more and better learning resources, and menstrual hygiene products and facilities for girls. A focus on family life education aims to expand counselling services for family planning, gender-based violence and health issues.