The European Union (EU) and UNICEF have formalized a significant commitment to education in Balochistan, Pakistan, by signing an agreement worth 17.4 million euros, equivalent to PKR 3.27 billion. This financial pledge marks the launch of the Balochistan Education Support (BES) II programme, a five-year initiative aimed at bolstering the education system in the province. The total budget for this crucial project is 22.2 million euros, with UNICEF contributing co-financing of 4.8 million euros (PKR 0.92 billion).
The BES II programme is strategically designed to assist the Government of Balochistan in developing robust and efficient education management and performance systems. The overarching goal is to enhance literacy, numeracy, skills, and overall qualifications of the populace within Balochistan. This will be achieved by improving both access to and the quality of primary and middle-level education, alongside strengthening accountability, transparency, and reporting mechanisms within the Secondary Education Department.
Building upon the foundations laid by the Balochistan Basic Education Programme (BBEP), a successful collaboration between the EU and UNICEF initiated in 2016, BES II ensures continuity and progress. The BBEP has been instrumental in driving significant advancements in providing quality education to all children and young individuals, regardless of gender, across Balochistan.
The new programme is set to expand on the successful reforms introduced by BBEP. These include the implementation of a new performance management system, the establishment of the Balochistan Assessment and Examination Commission, and the empowerment of parent-teacher school management committees and local education councils. The school development process will also be further enhanced under BES II.
Androulla Kaminara, the European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, emphasized the pivotal role of education for Pakistan’s future. “An educated young generation is fundamental for Pakistan’s journey towards inclusive growth and development. Education is not just a right, but a necessity to prevent societal disparities. The EU’s commitment aims to guarantee access to quality education for every child in Balochistan, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and contribute to Pakistan’s brighter future. Acknowledging the disruptive impact of the recent pandemic on education, our support will specifically target these challenges. The EU is dedicated to working in close partnership with the Government of Balochistan and UNICEF to fortify Pakistan’s education system,” she stated.
The EU-Pakistan Strategic Engagement Plan prioritizes support for primary and secondary education, guiding bilateral relations and fostering collaboration to address pressing global issues.
Balochistan, despite being Pakistan’s largest province geographically, faces significant hurdles in education, including quality concerns, accessibility issues, poor educational outcomes, and governance challenges.
While the BBEP made commendable strides, the COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable disruption, forcing school closures for almost an entire academic year and jeopardizing the progress achieved.
Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the urgency to overcome pandemic-related setbacks. “The educational disruption caused by COVID-19 must not deter our collective efforts to secure a better future for Balochistan’s children and youth. Under the leadership of the Education Department, with the generous financial support from the EU in Euro Pkr, and inspired by the resilience of the people, UNICEF is committed to turning the right to education into tangible results. BES II is crucial for achieving the long-term goals set by BBEP and the new objectives of this programme.”
To mitigate the learning losses caused by COVID-19, BES II incorporates specific interventions. These include training educators on Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for school health and safety, conducting targeted enrolment campaigns to ensure children return to school, and offering alternative educational pathways for students who dropped out due to the pandemic’s economic repercussions.
EU Development Cooperation in Pakistan underscores the EU’s broader commitment to Pakistan’s stability, democracy, and economic prosperity. The EU annually provides approximately €100 million in grants to Pakistan, focusing on poverty reduction, education enhancement, good governance, human rights, rule of law, and sustainable resource management. EU-funded initiatives span across Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on Sindh and Balochistan.
Further information regarding the European Union’s cooperation with Pakistan can be found at https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/pakistan/area/projects_en. Details about the Strategic Engagement Plan are available at https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/eu-pakistan_strategic_engagement_plan.pdf.
For more about UNICEF’s global work, visit www.unicef.org and for its Pakistan operations, www.unicef.org/pakistan. COVID-19 information is available at www.unicef.org/coronavirus. Learn about UNICEF’s vaccine initiatives here and immunization efforts here. Stay updated with UNICEF Pakistan on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
