The World Bank will provide Armenia with 22.6 million euros of additional credit means, said Armenian Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Artur Martirosyan.

His remarks came at the session of the National Assembly on Tuesday during the discussion of the ratification of the loan agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The funds will be directed to expanding the directions of the program for reforms in education. The program, according to the deputy minister, provides for 5 action components, which fully correspond to the government's program for 2021-2026.

"These funds will be directed to overhaul and equip 4 high schools in Yerevan, Ashtarak, Artashat and Vanadzor. Based on the assessment of the need, modern laboratories of natural sciences and engineering will be set up in 200 educational institutions," the official said.

He also noted that the availability of such laboratories, according to the government's program, is provided in all 1400 schools of Armenia. "In 107 of them such laboratories are already in operation," he added.

The program also envisages creation of 80 pre-school educational institutions. Funds will be directed to overhaul the already existing territories, to provide the necessary property and teaching materials, as well as to improve the qualifications of teachers. These institutions will also be adapted to provide inclusive education.

The next component of the program provides for improving the effectiveness of information management system in education.

The last component will concern higher education institutions. It is envisaged to implement 5 programs on STEM-directions. They will help to improve the quality and efficiency of universities, increase the level of educational programs and the quality of teaching, to ensure research work, as well as communication with employers.