A significant educational initiative has been launched in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to provide learning opportunities for thousands of children currently out of school. The project, named the “Out of School Children Project,” received support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and was formalized on January 19, 2026.
Valued at $10 million, this initiative represents a major effort to enhance educational access throughout the region. The Elementary and Secondary Education Department of the Government of AJK will oversee its implementation, with operations expected to commence shortly.
The project aims to identify children who are not attending school and connect them with educational opportunities by upgrading school infrastructure, conducting community outreach, and launching targeted enrollment drives. By bolstering institutional capacity, the program seeks to improve both student enrollment and retention rates.
Currently in the preparatory phase, the project will begin financial and physical activities once implementation starts. Upon activation, it is anticipated to raise literacy levels and contribute to broader educational development objectives across AJK.
Experts highlight that such targeted initiatives are crucial for expanding educational access and fostering inclusive learning environments in Pakistan. Through focused interventions, enhanced resources, and improved access, the project is expected to bridge existing gaps and create new educational pathways, especially for children in remote and underserved communities.
