PAKISTAN - An estimated nine million school-age children are out of school in Pakistan- 5.9 million of them girls.

Before the October 2005 earthquake that devastated much of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the average enrolment figure of girl students in three of its districts was just 37%, according to provincial government figures, with less than 50% of girls finishing school. Post-quake assessments now reveal there are 900 settlements in the province that have never even had a primary school.

The quake damaged or destroyed some 10,000 educational facilities in NWFP, killing nearly 19,000 students and hundreds of teachers. Recovery needs for education are estimated at up to US$472 million, according to the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank Assessment Report 2005.

‘Build back better’ is the government’s goal in the reconstruction phase with plans to provide educational facilities for all including the children who did not have educational institutions before, especially for girls.

Why is education for girls a poverty issue? Why should it be a developmental priority?

Uneducated girls tend to marry early and bear more children, who are likely to be among the nine out of 100 children who die before they reach their first birthday. Without an education, girls have limited choices and little chance of earning a stable income. They are less aware of HIV and AIDS and other infections such as Hepatitis A & B. The uneducated girl is more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and disease. Losing out on education means girls lose out on their basic rights and chance to be the best they can be.

World Vision recognises that education for all, including girls is not only their right – it is paramount to ensuring children have every opportunity to live a quality life with opportunity, dignity and hope.

Following the quake World Vision established 20 emergency tent schools accommodating some 1,500 children in the upper Siran Valley of NWFP with local partner BEFARe. Teachers are being trained and school management committees set up to involve the communities in the running of schools and the education of their children. Special emphasis is given to girls, children with disabilities and especially vulnerable children.

In the coming weeks World Vision will establish 20 more temporary schools in the lower Siran Valley, fitted out to accommodate children into the winter months, while also beginning the construction of six permanent schools. Teacher training activities and community participation are key components of the project to improve the quality of education children receive.

Rebuilding the thousands of schools will take at least three years according to the Pakistani Government. Organisations like World Vision are committed to support a better educational system for all – and for many, the opportunity to go to school for the first time.