“I work in manual labor, loading and unloading goods. I earn only 500 Rupees on the days I find work. It was a struggle to even dream of educating my children due to financial constraints and the initial reluctance of public schools to accept Afghan children.” – says Jabbar, an Afghan refugee living in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “Relief International has provided school supplies and a monthly stipend the commute to school to two of my sons.”

“I have gained so much more knowledge since attending the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). I am now improving both my Urdu and English skills with the help of my teacher. I dream of becoming a doctor one day. Attending this education program has given me hope in that dream,” shares Jabbar’s son, Ishaq, 12.

Our education programs have led to extraordinary outcomes for many Afghan children like Ishaq. Enrollment has soared by 160%, with girls’ enrolment seeing an astounding 175% increase. The dropout rate has dropped by 44%, while the School Readiness Program (SRP) has boasted an 84% retention rate, These outcome not only underscore the commitment of our teams in Pakistan but also reflect the resilience and determination of the Afghan refugee community.

Samreen, a 13-year-old Afghan girl with pre-existing health issues, has been overcoming the trauma associated with her previous schooling experience, triggered by the corporal punishment she experienced. Her transition to a Relief International-supported ALP center was a turning point for her. “When I started attending the classes here, they were welcoming and cooperative. I feel my teacher loves me and I no longer feel pain in my heart when I am in class. They don’t scold me, and all students here are helpful,” she says.

Our dedicated programs play a crucial role in addressing the educational needs of displaced children. By focusing on both school readiness and accelerated learning, these programs help to bridge the gap caused by disruptions in education, ensuring that children can catch up and integrate successfully into formal schooling.

The positive outcomes of these programs highlight the need for tailored educational support in crisis and displacement contexts—the impact of which goes far beyond classroom walls, but unlocks the potential of future generations and builds resilient communities.