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Quetta, June 26 — A major education reform project in Balochistan is set to receive a $100 million boost aimed at improving early childhood and primary education across the province. The initiative, called the Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Balochistan (GRADES) project, is expected to benefit around 250,000 students.
The GRADES project will focus on increasing school enrollment and enhancing learning outcomes. Key features of the project include building climate-resilient classrooms, providing safe transportation for students, expanding school shifts to accommodate more learners, and encouraging public-private partnerships to strengthen education delivery.
The project will also support the professional development of 5,000 teachers and award scholarships to 400 female students for pre-service teacher training, helping to address the shortage of qualified educators in the region.
“This project is a strategically important step that addresses serious gaps in both access to and the quality of pre-primary and primary education in Balochistan,” said Inga Afanasieva, the project’s team leader.
In addition to education, a separate portion of funding — $94 million — will be used to boost water productivity and climate resilience in key districts of the province.
The GRADES project marks a significant investment in Balochistan’s future, aiming to create a stronger foundation for children’s education while building resilience to climate challenges.