The World Bank has approved a $47.9 million grant to support improvements in education access and quality in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province. Funded through the Global Partnership for Education Fund, the initiative focuses on boosting participation for both boys and girls at the pre-primary and primary levels, while also addressing learning gaps and strengthening the education system’s resilience against climate-related and emergency disruptions.
The initiative, titled “Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services and System Transformation in Punjab Project,” seeks to expand early childhood education, facilitate the re-enrollment of out-of-school children, and enhance remedial support at the elementary level. A significant component of the program will also focus on providing better training and support for teachers, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills required to improve learning outcomes and adapt to evolving educational needs.
By addressing structural weaknesses and enhancing system responsiveness, the project is expected to play a critical role in human capital development in the province. It aligns closely with the World Bank Group’s global objectives of reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity, while also falling under the framework of its Country Partnership Strategy with Pakistan.
Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “This project represents a crucial step towards addressing learning poverty and ensuring equitable access to quality education across Punjab. By strengthening foundational learning, enhancing system capacity, and promoting behavioral change, the project will support long-term human capital development and economic growth in the province,” she said.
The program is expected to benefit over four million children across Punjab, including 80,000 out-of-school children who will be reintegrated into the system. More than three million students in government schools, 850,000 children in the non-formal sector, and 140,000 differently abled students in Special Education Department (SpED) schools will also benefit directly from improved services. Additionally, the initiative aims to improve conditions for over 100,000 teachers and school leaders through professional development programs, while parents and community members will gain from awareness campaigns and capacity-building efforts.
Beyond these direct beneficiaries, the program’s impact will extend indirectly to all students across public, non-formal, and special education institutions, as system-wide reforms take shape. This includes improved governance and accountability measures, as well as stronger coordination between the School Education Department, Special Education Department, and non-formal education programs.
Izza Farrakh, World Bank Task Team Leader for the project, explained the broader reform-oriented nature of the initiative. “The project is aligned with the Government of Punjab’s broader education reform agenda, which seeks to create a more effective, accountable, and inclusive education system. It will do so by supporting the government’s efforts to improve governance, management, and capacity in the education sector. This includes strengthening coordination between departments, empowering schools, and building partnerships with communities to ensure sustainable results,” she noted.
With a focus on inclusivity, system transformation, and resilience, the grant marks a significant step forward for Punjab’s education sector. As Pakistan continues to address the challenges of out-of-school children, limited teacher resources, and climate vulnerabilities, such initiatives are positioned to drive long-term progress in building an equitable and future-ready education system.