The British High Commission, in partnership with the British Council, has launched the Khilo aur Barho program under the Girls and Out of School Children’s Action for Learning (GOAL) initiative. This groundbreaking program is designed to address the urgent education crisis in Pakistan, where 26.2 million children remain out of school.
Focusing on accelerated learning in Urdu, Maths, and English, Khilo aur Barho Program emphasizes a child’s learning potential rather than age. This approach enables faster academic catch-up, especially for children from marginalized communities, with a specific focus on South Punjab and the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Notably, at least 10% of the participants will be children with disabilities, and 20% will belong to marginalized groups.
British High Commissioner Ms Jane Marriott stressed the significance of this initiative, highlighting the UK’s commitment to supporting education in Pakistan. “We cannot allow vulnerable children to fall further behind,” she said, noting that the UK has helped over 4.5 million children in Pakistan access quality education over the past decade.
James Hampson, the British Council’s Country Director in Pakistan, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Education is the key to unlocking children’s potential and building a peaceful, prosperous future.” He credited the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for funding this transformative program, which seeks to create lasting change in underserved regions.
Secretary Federal Education (MoFEPT) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani also pledged the Ministry’s full support, emphasizing the program’s alignment with the government’s goals to address Pakistan’s education emergency. “GOAL will play a vital role in improving educational outcomes, particularly in lagging districts,” he affirmed.
Khilo aur Barho adopts a dual strategy, combining accelerated learning for out-of-school children with continuous support for enrolled students. This includes teacher development and efforts to create more inclusive learning environments.
The initiative builds on the British Council’s longstanding mission to promote educational and cultural exchange worldwide. Operating in over 100 countries, the organization aims to foster mutual understanding and prosperity through education.
The Khilo aur Barho program stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to transform the lives of countless children and address one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges—ensuring that every child has access to quality education.