ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Monday it has approved a $75 million loan for a project in the education sector of Sindh.
ADB approved the loan for a project that will help improve the quality, accessibility, and gender responsiveness of the secondary education system and infrastructure in the province.
“Given the province’s strategic location, economic importance, and young workforce, Sindh has the potential to transform itself into a key driver of economic growth and development in Pakistan,” said ADB Principal Education Specialist for Central and West Asia, Norman LaRocque.
The Sindh Secondary Education Improvement Project will finance the construction of about 160 new secondary school blocks within existing government school compounds, largely in 10 districts in southern Sindh.
“Efforts to improve the education system and infrastructure in the province are important to ensuring that graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute productively to the country’s growth and development,” said LaRocque. The total cost of the project is $82.5 million, with the government contributing $7.5 million. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The project will also improve teaching capacity in five key subjects, namely English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics, through the introduction of a teacher training and mentoring program using information and communication technology and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment in selected schools. The province’s secondary education examination system will be improved by increasing its emphasis on critical thinking, by the provision of new technology, and by capacity development for examination board assessors and staff.
