Karachi: The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved $194 million for two significant projects aimed at improving education and water security in Balochistan. These initiatives are expected to provide substantial benefits in terms of educational opportunities for children and enhanced water security for the region.
According to The World Bank, the GRADES-Balochistan project, valued at $100 million, is designed to benefit 250,000 students by increasing enrollment and enhancing literacy and numeracy skills in early childhood and primary education. The project introduces several interventions, including the enhancement of school readiness through quality early childhood education, expanding school capacity via double shifts and public-private partnerships, and constructing climate-resilient classrooms. It also focuses on teacher development, supporting 5,000 teachers with continuous professional development programs. Scholarships for 400 female students to pursue teacher pre-service education will also be provided, fostering a new generation of educators.
The Balochistan Water Security and Productivity Improvement Project (BWSPIP), funded with $94 million, aims to improve the lives of smallholder and tenant farmers in the Nari, Talli, and Lehri river basins of the Kachi Plain and enhance water supply services in Quetta. This project is expected to benefit 500,000 people with improved access to basic water supply services and more than 80,000 people through climate-resilient infrastructure. Key elements include enhancing flood protection, increasing access to water for productive use, and improving water supply service delivery, ultimately safeguarding communities against climate risks and boosting economic opportunities.
The GRADES project is focused on reducing learning poverty, while the BWSPIP project targets the reduction of child stunting through increased access to safe water and sanitation services. Both projects align with the key outcome targets under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan.