Business news

MINSK, 9 October (BelTA) – Belarus and the World Bank will launch a new education project in 2019, World Bank Country Manager for Belarus Alex Kremer told BelTA.

“Upon the request of the Belarusian government, we have agreed to take part in a project in the higher education sector. The program is under development. The World Bank would like to help Belarus to make the curriculum of the higher school in the country meet the needs of the labor market. The program will be launched in 2019,” said Alex Kremer.

According to Alex Kremer, Belarus has already made a considerable step forward having joined the Bologna Process, which is aimed at improving the higher education sector. “The World Bank could help the country in the fulfillment of its commitments within the Bologna Process. This will help modernize the system of the university education so that it corresponds to the present international standards,” he explained.

The World Bank participates in other projects in the social sector, in particular the joint project with the Healthcare Ministry, Alex Kremer informed. “Belarus’ Healthcare Ministry is embarking on the program which receives our financial support. Within the framework of the project the funds will be invested in the establishment of the simulation centers in the schools that train healthcare professionals. This would help doctors and nurses drill skills on the high-tech mannequins. Similar centers will be set up across Belarus,” he noted.

According to the World Bank Country Manager for Belarus, the project will also assist the Healthcare Ministry in developing the national e-health system. “There is another project that inspires me even more, although it is small and few people have heard about it. We have a team of dedicated experts who advise the Government of Belarus on combating smoking. If people live an unhealthy lifestyle (especially men), then no healthcare system, no matter how advanced it may be, will be able to make these people healthier,” Alex Kremer noted.

The World Bank is planning to invest $125 million in the project to be implemented jointly with the Healthcare Ministry.