WASHINGTON: The World Bank has approved a $47.9 million grant aimed at strengthening primary education in Pakistan, with a particular focus on Punjab. The initiative will expand early childhood education, bring out-of-school children back into classrooms, and improve teacher training and support.

The funding, secured through the Global Partnership for Education Fund, is designed to raise enrollment rates at the pre-primary and primary levels while addressing the critical issue of learning outcomes. It also includes remedial programs for struggling students and measures to make the education system more resilient to climate change and emergencies.

“This project represents a crucial step towards addressing learning poverty and ensuring equitable access to quality education across Punjab,” said Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan. She added that by strengthening foundational learning, improving system capacity, and encouraging behavioral change, the initiative will contribute to long-term human capital development and economic growth.

According to project details, more than 4 million children are expected to benefit. This includes 80,000 out-of-school children, over 3 million enrolled in government schools, nearly 850,000 in the non-formal education sector, and 140,000 differently-abled children studying in institutions run by the Special Education Department. In addition, over 100,000 teachers and school leaders will receive training, while awareness campaigns will engage parents and communities to play a more active role in children’s learning.

World Bank Task Team Leader Izza Farrakh noted that the initiative is closely aligned with the Punjab government’s education reform agenda, which aims to create a more inclusive, accountable, and effective education system.