Education Cannot Wait Commits $2M to Support Flood-Affected Children in Pakistan

ECW's Impact on Flood-Affected Education in Pakistan

On November 10, 2025, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) made a significant announcement regarding its commitment to supporting over 34,483 school-aged children affected by devastating floods in Pakistan. The organization has allocated an initial emergency grant of $2 million to provide immediate educational support in hard-hit areas.

This twelve-month grant is strategically implemented by the Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) in conjunction with several local and national organizations, including the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), and the PAGE Foundation. Together, they aim to ensure that children, especially girls, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children with disabilities, have access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning opportunities despite the disruptions caused by the floods.

The floods have inflicted widespread damage, resulting in over 367,000 children being unable to access education in severely affected districts, with more than 1,800 schools reported as damaged. Bashir Anjum, a leader at RSPN, expressed pride in their continued partnership with ECW, emphasizing the necessity of building resilient education systems that promote new hope for affected communities. Through this initiative, they aim to transform challenges into opportunities, making education a lasting source of hope for vulnerable children.

The funding will provide critical educational support to approximately 34,000 boys and girls in flood-stricken provinces. Specifically, it will aid in the repair of damaged schools, establishment of temporary learning spaces, supply of inclusive and gender-sensitive learning materials, restoration of water and sanitation facilities, and implementation of protective measures for children. This comprehensive approach is aligned with the Pakistan Humanitarian Response Plan and complements ECW's ongoing anticipatory action pilot project, which strategically positioned resources prior to the floods.

Educational Priorities Post-Disaster

In the wake of a natural disaster, addressing the educational needs of children is paramount. Accessing education plays a crucial role in helping them regain a sense of normalcy and stability. The financial support from ECW is vital in not only addressing the immediate aftermath of this disaster but also setting the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience within the educational infrastructure.

Education Cannot Wait is the global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises under the United Nations. Its mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities for refugees, IDPs, and other crisis-affected children, ensuring that no one is left behind. By working closely with government bodies, public and private donors, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other development actors, ECW aims to enhance crisis response efficiency and connect immediate aid with long-term solutions through collaborative programming.

ECW urges both public and private donors to expand their support, which is critical in reaching even more at-risk children and youths. To keep up with ECW's initiatives and efforts, follow them on X/Twitter at @EduCannotWait and @KentPage. For further information, visit www.educationcannotwait.org.

In conclusion, ECW's $2 million grant serves as a beacon of hope for the children in Pakistan affected by the recent floods. It highlights the indispensable role of education in disaster recovery, ensuring that children can dream and build a brighter future despite the odds stacked against them.