Islamabad: The Pakistan Education Sector Working Group has devised a comprehensive contingency plan in anticipation of the 2024 monsoon season, aimed at mitigating the impact on children’s education across 38 priority districts affected by potential flooding.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the plan unfolds in three phases to address immediate and short-term educational disruptions due to the floods. In the initial two weeks, the plan emphasizes the establishment of temporary learning centers (TLCs) equipped with essential teaching materials to ensure the continuation of education in a safe environment. These centers will also serve to prevent children from dropping out due to displacement and the loss of livelihoods affecting their families.
During the second phase, spanning two to four weeks, the focus will shift to providing psychosocial support to help children cope with the trauma of the disaster. Additionally, the continuity of education will be supported by replenishing teaching materials and implementing on-site feeding programs to address the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable children amid food security challenges.
In the third phase, extending from one to two months, the effort will concentrate on preparing local authorities, including School Management Committees (SMC) and teachers, for the safe reopening of schools. This includes training for handling infection prevention and control measures and enhancing the capacity of teachers and SMC members to manage education during emergencies effectively.
The contingency plan also outlines the targeted assistance for the provinces most at risk, with Sindh being the most affected, expecting to target over 23 million people. Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab also have significant numbers of affected individuals who will benefit from this initiative.
Education contingency stocks have been prepared in collaboration with UNICEF and Save the Children, including essential supplies like high-performance tents, school frame tents, and various educational kits to ensure resources are immediately available when schools are impacted by floods.