ISLAMABAD, JAN 17 (DN) = The UK’s support to the Government of Pakistan has benefitted around 10 million children in primary schools since 2011.

The UK through its Department for International Development (DFID) is working with the provincial governments to put more children in schools, make education inclusive for all and to give them the quality of education they deserve.

Out of the 10 million children in primary schools benefitting from DFID programmes in Punjab and KP, almost half of them are girls. The UK’s support to secondary schools has benefitted around 6 million children, out of which 2.7 million are girls.

Commenting on the results, DFID head Joanna Reid said; “A well-educated population boosts the economy and offers a brighter future for children, especially the poorest and the most marginalised.

“I’m proud of the results we’ve achieved by working in partnership with the governments of Punjab and KP. We will not rest until every single child goes to school and gets the quality of education they deserve.”

Through the Pakistan National Cash Transfers Programme, the UK has supported 1.9m children from the poorest families with conditional cash transfers for each child who attends primary school.

DFID also has a special focus on supporting the most marginalised through its education programmes. DFID Pakistan is leading DFID globally, by setting good examples of Disability Inclusion.

DFID’s support to the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) is one such initiative piloting inclusive education in mainstream schools for children in 9 districts of Punjab.

This includes providing specialists, assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids and spectacles), training teachers and making adaptations to improve accessibility of school infrastructure and facilities.

In KP, DFID is supporting the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation by providing transport vouchers to children with disability. DFID is also working with the education department to make sure that all schools have access ramps and special toilets for disabled children. The UK is also supporting KP education department in mainstreaming dyslexic students.

In Sindh, the UK is supporting the ‘Deaf Reach’ schools which teach a formal primary and secondary curriculum to children with severe to profound hearing difficulties through the medium of Pakistan Sign Language. The programme also supports the students to enter into employment.

DFID has its largest bilateral education programme in Pakistan and is investing in system reforms and good teaching practices to deliver better results in classrooms.

By investing in education, the UK aims to build sustainable development to achieve a stable and a prosperous future for Pakistan.=DNA

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