UK set to help over 250,000 children access better education

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Through the service delivery component of Girls and Out-of-School Children’s Action for Learning (GOAL) programme, Khilo aur Barho, the UK’s £20 million contribution will help break down barriers to education, enhance literacy and numeracy skills, and strengthen a resilient and effective education system in Pakistan over the next three years, says a press release.

Funded by the British High Commission, Pakistan, and delivered by the British Council, the service delivery component of Girls and Out-of-School Children’s Action for Learning (GOAL) programme, Khilo aur Barho will see children receive support with their Urdu, Maths and English.

This support will focus on their ability, rather than their age, helping them to catch-up on these subjects quicker. Children from all across Pakistan will be supported, but with a particular focus on South Punjab and merged districts in KP. At least 10 per cent of participants will be children with disabilities, and 20 per cent will come from marginalised groups

Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner said: “Pakistan is facing an education emergency, with 26.2 million children out of school. This targeted support will make sure some of the most vulnerable children in the country don’t fall behind. The UK is already a significant supporter of education in Pakistan, supporting over 4.5 million children across Pakistan to access a decent education over the past 10 years.”