Over 250,000 Pakistani children to access better education under UK's new initiative

The United Kingdom has pledged a $25.2 million (Rs7.2 billion) contribution over three years to improve education access for over 250,000 children in Pakistan, with a focus on Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the British Council announced on Wednesday.

Pakistan currently has the second-highest number of out-of-school children globally, with an estimated 22.8 million, according to UNICEF. Of these, around 12.2 million are girls, who face cultural and social obstacles to receiving formal education, particularly in rural areas.

The funding, provided by the British High Commission and administered by the British Council, will support the "Khilo aur Barho" initiative, part of the Girls and Out of School Children’s Action for Learning (GOAL) program.

The five-year project, running from January 2023 to December 2027, aims to enhance educational access and quality in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on improving literacy in Urdu, mathematics, and English.

“The UK is set to help over 250,000 children in Pakistan access better education,” said the British High Commission in a statement. “This £20 million contribution will help break down barriers to education, enhance literacy and numeracy skills, and strengthen Pakistan’s education system.”

The programme will also target vulnerable children, with 10% of participants being children with disabilities and 20% from marginalised groups. The initiative will provide tailored support based on ability rather than age to help children catch up in key subjects.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott highlighted that Pakistan is facing an "education emergency," with 26.2 million children currently out of school.

“This targeted support will ensure that some of the most vulnerable children don’t fall behind,” Marriott said, emphasising the UK's long-standing commitment to Pakistan’s education sector.

Education Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani reiterated the government's focus on connecting provinces with international and local partners to combat learning poverty. “I am hoping that GOAL will show how to deliver success in the 14 most challenging districts,” he said.

In 2022, the UK contributed $160 million (Rs45.76 billion) to support women’s education in Pakistan. Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s literacy rate remains low at 59%, compounded by poor infrastructure and limited educational resources.

The UK’s funding comes as Pakistan’s government struggles with low education spending, at just 2.8% of GDP, which hinders efforts to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural areas.