24 disaster-resilient schools handed over in Buner district to create safer learning environments

Buner, 23 April 2025 - A handover ceremony for 24 retrofitted schools was held at Government Primary School (GPS) Chanar No. 1 in District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), marking a key milestone in efforts to create safer and more disaster-resilient learning environments for children in some of Pakistan's most climate-vulnerable regions.

The initiative is part of the Disaster Resilient School Infrastructure (DRSI) project, supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and jointly implemented by UN-Habitat and UNDP, in close collaboration with the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, Government of KP.

Under the project, 150 schools across the districts of Buner, Malakand, Peshawar, Swat, Lower Chitral, Upper Chitral, Lower Dir, and Upper Dir are being retrofitted to meet critical structural safety and resilience standards. The project is directly benefiting 31,218 students - including 13,595 girls - while supporting Pakistan's commitment under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which underscores the need to make schools disaster-resilient, especially in earthquake and flood-prone areas like KP.

In Buner District alone, 24 schools have so far been restored and handed over to the community, with work ongoing on one additional school. Complementing structural safety with improved hygiene, 50 latrines have also been constructed to provide better sanitation facilities for students and staff.

Mr. Naoaki Miyata, JICA Chief Representative, emphasized the project's importance in enhancing educational infrastructure resilience through structural and non-structural measures, including WASH facilities. The project aims to reduce the impact of natural disasters and promote resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supporting the Sendai Framework and SDG Goal 11. Over 31,000 school children and teachers will benefit from safe and resilient school infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, UN-Habitat Senior Advisor & Programme Manager, outlined the project's objectives and explained UN-Habitat's role in promoting resilient educational infrastructures through structural and non-structural measures, including the provision of essential services such as WASH facilities. He further added that with retrofitting now complete, the selected schools in Buner are now fully functional, allowing students to return to safer, resilient classrooms where learning can continue without fear.

The event was attended by representatives from the KP Education Department, UN-Habitat, UNDP, community leaders, teachers, parents, and students. The Buner District Education Officer thanked JICA for its support in developing disaster-resilient school infrastructure, highlighting the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings in protecting both lives and education.

Mr. Hamid Mumtaz, Deputy Program Manager, highlighted the earthquake risks in the area and vulnerability of school buildings. He added that drawing on its global expertise in disaster resilience, UN-Habitat led the overall design and implementation of the project. This included conducting structural assessments, cost estimations, site planning, construction supervision, capacity-building, trainings, and coordination with key stakeholders and explained that the retrofitted school infrastructure not only strengthened the buildings but conserved stone masonry construction, waterproofed roofing, new window glass for better lighting and ventilation, neat and durable flooring, electric fans and lights for climate comfort, clean and functional sanitation facilities, and newly installed boards for effective teaching.

Mr. Abdul Haseeb, Head of UNDP's KP Sub-Office, reaffirmed UNDP's continued commitment to disaster-resilient education. "Through effective contract management, financial oversight, and monitoring, UNDP supported the improvement of infrastructure, sanitation, and the overall learning environment. This milestone reflects UNDP's broader vision which underscores that building resilience in education is not just about protection from disasters, it's an investment in a safer, more inclusive future."

Disaster-resilient school infrastructure is crucial for safe, inclusive, and uninterrupted education. While current efforts are making a tangible impact, the scale of need remains far greater than available resources. More support is needed to strengthen school resilience, protect children, and advance Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and safe learning environments for all.

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Contact Details:

For more information please contact:

Ms. Faiqa Aziz
Communication Officer, UN-Habitat
faiqa.aziz@un.org

Ms. Fizza Bangash,
Head of Communications, UNDP Pakistan,
fizza.bangash@undp.org or +92 (51) 835 5631

About the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat):

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat's vision of "urbanization" encompasses all levels of human settlements, including small rural communities, villages, market towns, immediate cities and large cities and metropolises.

Website: https://unhabitat.org.pk/
LinkedIn: UN-Habitat, Pakistan - For Safe, Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Cities

About UNDP:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP