Attachments
1. Executive Summary
1.1 Introduction and Rationale
The floods from June to October 2022 in Pakistan significantly impacted education and child protection needs, whilst exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. According to the Pakistan Floods 2022-Post Disaster Needs Assessment report, and the data collected from the 94 calamity hit districts, the floods have impacted approximately 17,205 public schools (primary to higher secondary), colleges, special education centers/schools/institutions, technical and vocational education and training centers, and universities. At least 6,225 education institutions were assessed as fully damaged and 10,980 as partially damaged.
The deterioration of economic circumstances for households due to the flood, may increase the prevalence of child marriage and child labor while displacement may result in a lack of civil documentation. There may also be a deterioration of mental health and psychosocial support needs and an increase in unaccompanied and separated children.
Following a comprehensive secondary data review (SDR), an assessment was planned in Pakistan between the Education Sector and Child Protection Working Groups. A key aim of the two Working Groups is to improve the availability of data and evidence to support strategic planning and response at the country level. Findings for this assessment will be used to inform the response on both flood specific needs and the wider situation for children in flood affected districts in Pakistan, such as through the identification of the issues that are not yet addressed, and which need immediate support from government and development partners.
The pace of recovery was incredibly slow, despite the Education Sector Working Group's minimum targets for early recovery activities (17,205 schools rehabilitated or rebuilt). As of June 2024, only 387 of the 6225 Transition school structures (TSS) that were planned to be constructed in fully destroyed schools remained completed. Additionally, rehabilitative progress has been also slow; of the 10,980 rehabilitations that the ESWG aims to complete in total, 1596 schools have completed; this is likely to impede the affected children's secure and productive learning activities. In addition to the 1,983 schools being rehabilitated and provided with TSS under floods recovery, development partners have pledged to assist in the early recovery and reconstruction of over 5130 schools. This represents a significant shortfall in early recovery when compared to the total damage inflicted upon over 17,205 schools throughout Pakistan.
During the first phase of support from the Global Education Cluster, 19 Pakistan Education Sector and Child Protection Working Groups members were trained remotely on joint education/CP assessment, from January 30 through February 2, 2023. The second phase consisted of in country support through a needs assessment specialist, to assist with the implementation of a joint assessment. More detailed assessments after the initial rapid inter-sectoral assessments (RNA, MSNA) were carried out to support follow-up planning, addressing gaps, and linking with recovery, and ensure strong linkages and integration of education and child protection.
The joint needs assessment is part of the UNICEF annual workplan with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), Pakistan. Formal approval of activities was obtained from provincial education departments. The Global Education Cluster provided technical support through the deployment of a standby partner (SBP), whilst the Education Sector and Child Protection Working Groups provided coordination and leadership support. Partners from both working groups supported the data collection in the field.