Pakistan has faced several natural disasters over the past decades, including two major earthquakes in 2005 and 2010, with the 2005 earthquake being described as one of the most destructive earthquakes in modern history. The district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest of Islamabad, was hit especially hard and destroyed essential infrastructure, including 67% of the educational institutions in the province. As a result, access to even basic education declined, particularly for girls. Despite teachers’ efforts, students were not attending regularly. Parents voiced concerns about the structural safety.
In response to these challenges UN-Habitat launched the Disaster Resilient School Infrastructure Project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented in collaboration with UNDP and KP Education Department. The aim was to retrofit and repair schools that had been affected by past earthquakes and strengthen them against future risks. The project also prioritized the construction of gender-responsive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, especially in girls’ schools.
Girls attending lessons in retrofitted classrooms, feeling safe and eager to learn. Government Girls Primary School, Zakhi, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The initiative covered 150 schools across eight districts of Khyber Pakthtunkhwa, including 66 girls schools. Structural retrofitting work focused on improving the strength of the buildings, repairing roofs, reinforcing walls, and ensuring proper ventilation. In addition, 132 schools were equipped with improved water and sanitation facilities, benefiting over 13,000 girls.
These improvements led to noticeable changes. Parents who were previously reluctant to send their children to school began to feel more confident in doing so. The schools now appeared cleaner, safer, and more organized. Improved WASH facilities for girls addressed a key barrier to regular attendance.
Ms. Tabassum, teacher at one of the upgraded schools in Peshawar shared, “We used to have only a few students in the classroom. Now, attendance is improving every week. The school is a safer place for both students and staff.”
One student, Fatima, explained, “I like coming to school now because the rooms are not broken, I love my school”.
The increase in enrollment is a positive sign of the project’s impact. By addressing both physical safety and basic facility needs, the initiative has made schools more functional and accessible for children, particularly for girls who were most affected by the lack of infrastructure.
The Disaster Resilient School Infrastructure Project shows that simple, targeted investments can help bring children back to school. Rebuilding safer classrooms and providing adequate facilities not only improves education access but also builds trust within communities.
The safe and welcoming school environment has boosted students’ confidence and participation, leading to increase in enrollment and regular attendance
