In a major boost for flood-affected communities, a $2 million emergency grant has been launched to tackle Pakistan’s worsening education crisis following the devastating monsoon floods. The global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW) announced the 12-month initiative, which will be implemented by the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) in collaboration with national partners.
The catastrophic floods have left over 367,000 school-aged children without access to education and damaged more than 1,800 schools across the country. This locally driven program aims to restore learning for 34,000 children, particularly in the hardest-hit districts of Sialkot, Narowal, Jhang, and Swat.
Targeting the most vulnerable groups—including girls, internally displaced children, and those with disabilities—the initiative will rehabilitate damaged schools, set up temporary learning spaces, supply inclusive and gender-sensitive materials, and restore vital water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. It will also ensure protective measures for a safe learning environment.
“RSPN is proud to continue its partnership to ensure that every child affected by the floods can access safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities,” said Bashir Anjum, Chief Operating Officer of RSPN. “Together, we are transforming dreams into opportunities and turning education into lasting hope for the most vulnerable.”
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The project aligns with the Pakistan Humanitarian Response Plan and builds on ECW’s earlier anticipatory actions, which had pre-positioned essential learning materials ahead of the monsoon season to ensure a faster, more coordinated response.