ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday inaugurated 29 new public schools and kindergartens across the Region as part of a wider effort to expand education infrastructure.

"It is a source of pride that such quality schools have been built," Barzani said at one of the schools.

The 29 facilities include 25 public schools and four kindergartens across the Kurdistan Region, Luqman Saeed, head of Erbil’s education directorate, told the New Region, adding that 13 of the facilities are in Erbil province while the others are located elsewhere in the Region.

The prime minister acknowledged the need for more educational centers and stressed that some schools require renovation. 

“We were discussing how many schools in the Kurdistan Region are at this [new school’s] level, and it seems some of our schools need renovation and new schools must be built as well,” Barzani said.

He also noted the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) efforts to modernize the education system. 

“During this short period, we were able to heighten the level of our schools very well, not only with the buildings, but the education system as well by digitizing education. This has had a big impact, and we will continue to support the [education] ministry for developing the sector,” the prime minister asserted.

Under the KRG’s ninth cabinet, 214 kindergartens and schools have been built and 1,670 others have been renovated, with 629 additional classrooms constructed - creating space for 110,000 students in total.

The investments highlight the KRG’s efforts to provide education for children of all classes despite the current financial challenges.