"World Bank Approves $47.9 Million Education Grant to Boost Primary Learning in Punjab"

 

World Bank Approves $47.9 Million Grant to Transform Education in Punjab

Islamabad, August 25, 2025 — In a significant stride toward educational reform, the World Bank has greenlit a $47.9 million grant, funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), to bolster early education and inclusion across Punjab province. 

Project Goals and Impact

Titled “Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services and System Transformation in Punjab Project”, this initiative aims to:

• Expand early childhood education

• Re-enroll out-of-school children

• Provide remedial learning support at the elementary level

• Increase the education sector’s resilience to climate-related shocks and emergencies 

• Aligned with the World Bank's global goals to reduce extreme poverty and promote inclusive growth, the project supports Punjab’s education reforms outlined in its Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Pakistan. 

• Upskilling and Equity in Focus

  The project targets more than 4 million children, including:

  • 80,000 out-of-school children

  • Over 3 million students in formal public schools (SED)

  • Around 850,000 in the non-formal sector

  • 140,000 differently-abled students in Special Education Department (SpED) institutions  

  • Moreover, over 100,000 teachers and school leaders alongside parents and community members will benefit from professional development programs and awareness campaigns. Broader system reforms will also uplift all students across SED, SpED, and non-formal sectors. 

    Leaders Highlight Transformative Potential

    “This project represents a crucial step toward reducing learning poverty and achieving equitable access to quality education across Punjab,” said Bolormaa Amgaabazar, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.
    “By reinforcing foundational learning, strengthening system capacity, and encouraging behavioral change, this initiative will foster long-term human capital development and economic growth.” 

  • Izza Farrakh, Task Team Leader for the project, added that the efforts are in sync with the Government of Punjab’s vision for a more effective, accountable, and inclusive education system. Improved governance, streamlined management, and stronger school-community partnerships are at the core of this transformation. 

    Why It Matters

    • Strengthens early education access and learning quality for children, particularly in underserved communities.

    • Supports gender equity and inclusion, benefiting children with disabilities.

    • Enhances crisis resilience by building a more responsive education system for climate and emergency challenges.

    • Backed by strategic funding from the GPE and aligned with Pakistan’s education reform strategies.

  •