Helping Afghan Children Go to School in Pakistan

Thanks to the generous support of the Relief International community and our partners, our Promoting Afghan Children's Education (PACE) program has improved equitable access to safe, quality education for Afghan and host community children in Pakistan, helping to ensure brighter futures for generations to come. 

With a focus on 70 government primary schools across Peshawar, Nowshera, and Swabi districts, PACE has not only tackled education challenges but has also strengthened community cohesion through an inclusive approach that will create lasting change in the lives of thousands of children and their families. 

Program Updates: 

• Reach and Engagement: Since 2023, we are proud to have engaged more than 34,000 children through our education programs in Pakistan, with girls comprising 53% of the participants. This included nearly 21,000 Afghan nationals, approximately 61% of our total reach. 

• Accelerated Learning Program (ALP): We consistently supported 42 ALP centres to enhance learning environments. This support included the provision of essential supplies and learning materials, books, and uniforms. The 42 ALP centres included 27 centres in Peshawar (comprising 14 for girls and 13 for boys), 4 centres in Nowshera (two for girls and two for boys), and 11 centres in Swabi (five for boys and six for girls). 

• Enrollment Campaigns: We successfully integrated 711 out-of-school and at-risk children into post-primary grades (354 boys and 357 girls). 700 student kits were distributed to support students' educational needs, encourage regular attendance, and enhance their learning experience by providing essential supplies. Additionally, 342 Afghan girls received transportation stipends to ensure location and/or financial constraints were not a barrier to their education. 

• Health Club Activities: 23,000 students participated in health club activities, with girls representing 51% of participants. More than 12,000 of these students were Afghan children (6,000 girls and 6,000 boys), accounting for 54% of the total participants. 

• Teacher Training: We organized training sessions for schoolteachers and government officials, focusing on key subjects such as English, Mathematics and Urdu. Teachers were also provided with training on Child Protection and Safeguarding, and attended sessions on mental health and psychosocial support. We also hosted a special workshop on digital classrooms – equipping teachers with digital skills to integrate modern technology into classrooms to improve the overall quality of education.  

Relief International’s education initiatives in Pakistan have made meaningful strides in improving access to quality education for Afghan refugees and host communities alike. Through targeted programs, we have created inclusive, supportive learning environments that prioritize both equity and long-term impact. 

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the GlobalGiving community. Together we are creating meaningful, lasting change. 

Links:

• Learn more about Relief International's work in Pakistan
• Stay updated on Relief International's work across the globe