World Bank Allocates $47.9 Million to Enhance Primary Education in Punjab Province

Islamabad — The World Bank has approved a $47.9 million grant on August 23, 2025 to support educational reforms in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Funded by the Global Partnership for Education Fund, the initiative, titled Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services and System Transformation in Punjab, seeks to improve access to quality education, particularly for marginalized groups (Dawn)

The project is designed to benefit over 4 million children, including 80,000 out-of-school children, more than 3 million students in School Education Department (SED) schools, approximately 850,000 children in non-formal education settings, and 140,000 differently-abled children in Special Education Department (SpED) schools (PTV, The Daily CPEC).

Additionally, over 100,000 teachers and school leaders will receive professional development and training, while parents and community members will be engaged through awareness campaigns to foster a supportive educational environment (PTV, The Daily CPEC).

Education Priorities and Project Initiatives

The project targets several critical areas to improve education in Punjab. It aims to expand early childhood education by increasing enrollment in pre-primary programs, giving children a strong foundation for learning. It also seeks to re-enroll out-of-school children through targeted strategies, ensuring those who have dropped out can return to the education system (PTV).

Strengthening teacher support is another key focus, with training and resources provided to enhance teaching quality across schools. Additionally, the initiative emphasizes resilience, equipping the education sector to respond effectively to climate change and other emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted learning for all students (PTV).

This initiative aligns with the Government of Punjab’s broader education reform agenda and the World Bank Group’s objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. By focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, the project aims to contribute to stronger human capital and improved resilience to shocks (Arab News).