Peshawar, Sept 29, 2025: The government reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen ownership of UNHCR-supported schools in refugee-hosting districts.
Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education (E&SE), Mr. Faisal Khan Tarakai, chaired a high-level meeting with the UNHCR team led by Mr. Chandu Bhandari, Program Officer UNHCR. The Education Advisor ESRU, Mian Saad Uddin, also participated in the meeting.
Mr. Bhandari briefed the Minister on UNHCR’s contributions to the education sector. He underlined UNHCR’s support for both refugees and host communities. He highlighted the construction of more than 120 schools in the past.
He called for stronger collaboration in line with UNHCR’s evolving priorities. He also stressed the need for enhanced departmental ownership of UNHCR-supported schools in refugee-hosting districts. He reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to supporting all interventions of the Department to improve education across the province.
Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai commended UNHCR’s efforts. He assured the delegation of the Department’s full support. He emphasized the Department’s role in facilitating UNHCR-supported schools, including the provision of free textbooks. He pledged to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure efficient use of resources. He also declared the reactivation of flood-damaged schools as a top priority of the government.
The meeting produced clear outcomes. The government agreed to grant UNHCR access to the Education Management Information System (EMIS). Both sides also agreed to conduct a joint field visit to UNHCR-supported schools to further strengthen cooperation.