Over 760,000 children in Balochistan have accessed quality education through expanded learning opportunities and strengthened education systems under the Balochistan Education Support Programme II (BES-II). The initiative was funded by the European Union in partnership with the Government of Balochistan’s School Education Department and UNICEF. The five-year programme concluded with a high-level ceremony in Quetta.
Programme Achievements and Funding
Building on the achievements of the Balochistan Basic Education Programme (2016–2021), BES-II advanced the next phase of education reform in the province. The European Union provided €17.4 million in funding between 2021 and 2026. The programme expanded access to education while strengthening more resilient, inclusive, and data-driven education systems. Nearly 335,000 girls benefited from improved learning opportunities, highlighting the importance of girls’ education for social and economic development in Balochistan.
Government and Partner Statements
“A decade of partnership with the European Union and UNICEF has significantly strengthened education systems and transformed the lives of children across the province,” said Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti. “We deeply appreciate their unwavering commitment and look forward to building on this strong foundation until quality education is accessible to every child.”
Dr. Sébastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Pakistan, stated: “For the EU investing in education and skills development means investing in Balochistan’s future. Over the past decade, our partnership has helped expand access to basic education and strengthen the foundations of the education system. We are proud of what has been achieved together, and we remain committed to supporting Balochistan in delivering better opportunities for every child.”
Innovations and System Strengthening
The programme introduced innovations that improved planning, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. These included Balochistan’s first digital school census, real-time school monitoring systems, and the establishment of a Virtual Academy that trained more than 10,600 teachers. In addition, over 4,000 teachers received professional development support, while 3,000 Parent-Teacher School Management Committees were activated, engaging more than 16,000 community members in school governance and improvement.
Impact on Access and Retention
These system-level investments enabled tangible improvements in access to education across the province. More than 20,000 out-of-school children at the primary level and over 2,200 children at the middle-school level were brought back into education through Accelerated Learning Programmes, most of whom were girls. Improvements in 1,230 schools created better learning environments for more than 150,000 children, helping to enhance school participation and retention. In addition, over 6,100 adolescents gained skills to support their future education and employment opportunities.
Crisis Support and Community Engagement
BES-II also helped children continue learning during crises. More than 6,600 flood-affected children received support to remain in school, while over 72,000 adolescent girls and 26,000 children accessed health, hygiene, and screening services that contributed to their well-being and learning.
UNICEF Representative’s Remarks
Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, said: “With this impactful partnership between the government of Balochistan and the European Union, hundreds of thousands of children have been given a second chance to catch up on learning and skills development, supporting their pathway to future employment. The programme’s progress demonstrates what is possible when government leadership drives investment in children, their communities, stronger education systems, and future-ready skills, with technical support from UNICEF and the steadfast partnership of the European Union.”
Legacy and Future Outlook
As BES-II concludes, it leaves a lasting legacy: a reformed education sector, stronger systems, and greater community ownership that will accelerate progress towards ensuring every child in Balochistan has access to quality learning opportunities.
