Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Education Struggles Amidst Progress

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, the presence of over 0.76 million Afghan refugees underscores a complex struggle to provide quality education amidst limited resources. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, over 1.5 million Afghan nationals have sought refuge in Pakistan. While many are waiting for resettlement through the UNHCR, a significant number remain undocumented and in precarious living conditions.

Official documents reveal that as of May 31, 2023, KP housed approximately 0.69 million registered Afghan refugees. This population is split between urban areas and refugee camps, with over 0.35 million living in urban settings and 0.34 million residing in refugee camps established across the province. Peshawar district alone hosts 221,308 refugees, followed by significant populations in Nowshera, Haripur, and Kohat, highlighting the province’s substantial refugee burden.

In the refugee village of Shamshatoo, 12-year-old Mariam sits on the floor of a cramped classroom, struggling to focus amid the sweltering heat. Her teacher, Mr. Khan, juggles the needs of 75 students in a single classroom, a stark contrast to the OECD’s optimal student-teacher ratio of 1:15. “We do our best with what we have,” he says, “but the resources are simply insufficient.”

According to a UNHCR report, the organization runs 100 schools in KP, educating over 31,000 Afghan children under the “Enhancing Access and Quality of Education for Afghan Refugees” program. However, funding shortfalls have led to a severe lack of resources. Many schools lack basic amenities such as furniture, forcing students like Mariam to sit on the floor. Moreover, classrooms are overcrowded, making it difficult to maintain physical distancing and ensure quality education.

“On cloudy days, we can’t even turn on the fans, and the heat becomes unbearable for the kids.”

Electricity shortages, especially during summer, exacerbate these challenges. While the UNHCR has installed solar panels and batteries in some schools, half of them report non-functional batteries, leading to frequent power outages. Mr. Khan recounts, “On cloudy days, we can’t even turn on the fans, and the heat becomes unbearable for the kids.”

The socio-economic conditions of Afghan refugees further complicate educational access. Many families survive on less than USD $1 per day, compelling parents to prioritize immediate financial needs over long-term education. Boys are often pulled out of school to work, while girls are kept at home for household chores, perpetuating gender disparity in education.

UNHCR’s efforts to integrate Afghan children into Pakistani public schools aim to foster peaceful coexistence and resource optimization. Yet, the transition faces numerous obstacles, including cultural resistance and logistical challenges. The report highlights that despite efforts, girls make up only 35% of enrolled students, reflecting deep-seated gender biases.

To combat these issues, organizations like the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) have launched initiatives such as the Strengthening Education and Health Services (SEHS) program. This program aims to improve educational infrastructure in districts like Peshawar and Nowshera, providing a glimmer of hope for the future.

In addition, UNHCR’s Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) offers education to out-of-school girls, though it faces hurdles in teacher training and curriculum alignment. Efforts to reintegrate students who have dropped out due to financial constraints or seasonal migration are ongoing, but progress is slow.

The high teacher-student ratio remains a significant barrier to quality education. With an average ratio of 1:61, teachers are overwhelmed, and unable to meet the individual needs of their students. This reality is starkly different from the situation in KP public schools, where the ratio is 1:41, still high but comparatively better.

Addressing these educational challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. The report urges the UNHCR to secure multi-year funding to replace outdated solar batteries and provide adequate student furniture. It also calls for the implementation of innovative teaching techniques to engage students and reduce dropout rates.

Efforts to support education must consider diverse living conditions.

The geographic distribution of Afghan refugees across KP further complicates educational efforts. Beyond the major districts, thousands reside in more remote areas such as Mansehra, Hangu, and Lower Dir, where access to education is even more challenging. In urban areas of Abbottabad, Khyber, and South Waziristan, Afghan refugees face unique integration challenges due to cultural differences and limited infrastructure.

Efforts to support education must consider these diverse living conditions. Targeted programs in urban centers need to address the specific challenges of integration, while initiatives in rural and camp settings must focus on improving basic infrastructure and access to education.

While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the resilience of Afghan refugees like Mariam and the commitment of educators like Mr. Khan offers a beacon of hope. As Pakistan continues to grapple with the complexities of refugee education, the need for sustained international support and innovative solutions remains paramount.

The plight of Afghan refugees in KP is a reflection of broader global challenges in addressing refugee education. International cooperation, increased funding, and innovative solutions are essential to providing a better future for displaced communities worldwide. By addressing these issues, Pakistan has the opportunity to set a precedent for refugee education that balances compassion with practical solutions.

The struggle to educate Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing displaced populations worldwide. Despite overwhelming odds, the combined efforts of international organizations, local educators, and resilient students can pave the way for a brighter future. The commitment to education, despite limited resources, demonstrates the power of human spirit and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.