Advancing Quality Alternative Learning Project

The ALP Middle-Tech – General Education Component (Packages D & E) Curriculum Condensation and Functionalization Workshop is underway at DCAR, Jamshoro.
With 29 experts from DCAR and other institutions participating in the four-day workshop, the curriculum of nine subjects is being carefully reviewed to remove redundant, repetitive, duplicated, and excessive content—making learning more concise, focused, practical, and functional for ALP learners.

The Directorate of Literacy & Non-Formal Education, Government of Balochistan, in collaboration with JICA, celebrated International Literacy Day 2026 on Tuesday, 8th September 2026 at the BRSP Office, Quetta.

Held under the theme "Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity", the event was graced by Mr. Wali Muhammad Noorzai, Parliamentary Secretary, Social Welfare Department as Chief Guest, and Mr. Syed Zafar Agha as Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries including the Secretary Social Welfare Department, Director School Education, CEO BRSP, Deputy Chief Advisor JICA-AQAL, Director NCHD, and representatives from IRC, Taraqee Foundation, TKF, CARE, Society, ESP, JICA, PAGE and other partners attended the event.

Key presentations highlighted the situation of out-of-school children and youth, current literacy rates in Balochistan, and a comparative review with other provinces. Speakers stressed that "a literate and educated population is essential for a prosperous and developed Balochistan."

The way forward focused on strategic interventions to mainstream out-of-school children through NFE Centers. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts for promoting Literacy and Non-Formal Education across the province and ensuring enrolment, retention, and quality learning for OOSC.

The program concluded with a pledge to work collectively for "Parha Likha Khushhal Balochistan".

The Elementary & Secondary Education Foundation (ESEF), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with JICA-AQAL, organized a distinguished ceremony at Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Hall, University of Peshawar, to commemorate International Literacy Day 2026, reaffirming the shared commitment to promoting literacy, inclusion, and equal educational opportunities for all.

The ceremony was graced by the Honourable Minister for Elementary & Secondary Education, Mr. Arshad Ayub Khan, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Mr. Qaisar Alam, Managing Director, ESEF KP; Mr. Tashfeen Haider, Special Secretary, Elementary & Secondary Education Department, KP; and Mr. Jaffar Mansoor Abbasi, Director, Elementary & Secondary Education Department.

Representatives from UNHCR, DOSTI, Khwendo Kor, NCHD, Handicap International, and other development and partner organizations participated in the ceremony, reflecting a collective commitment to strengthening literacy and advancing inclusive and quality education across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing the gathering, the Honourable Minister for Elementary & Secondary Education, Mr. Arshad Ayub Khan, emphasized that education and literacy are fundamental pillars of social development, economic prosperity, individual empowerment, and a peaceful and progressive society.

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to raising literacy levels, addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, and ensuring equitable access to quality and inclusive education for every child. He emphasized that achieving these objectives requires sustained commitment, innovative approaches, effective coordination, and meaningful partnerships among all stakeholders.

He further highlighted the importance of creating an enabling learning environment where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.

The participation of senior government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations added significance to the occasion and provided a valuable platform for strengthening collaboration and advancing a shared vision for a more literate and educated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The ceremony reaffirmed that literacy extends beyond reading and writing; it is a pathway to empowerment, dignity, opportunity, and social transformation. Investing in literacy and education is an investment in the future of individuals, communities, and the province as a whole.

The Elementary & Secondary Education Foundation (ESEF) reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting the Government’s education agenda and contributing to the vision of a literate, educated, inclusive, empowered, and prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Together, through stronger partnerships and collective action, we can create greater opportunities for learning, empower communities, and ensure that no one is left behind.

The JICA AQAL Project joined the Literacy & Non-Formal Basic Education Department, Punjab in celebrating International Literacy Day 2026 under the inspiring theme:
“Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity” 🌍📖
The event highlighted the transformative power of literacy in creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The occasion was graced by Ms. Maria Talal, Chairperson, Standing Committee on Literacy & Non-Formal Basic Education, as the Chief Guest, alongside government representatives, development partners, teachers, learners, and literacy champions.
From celebrating outstanding learners and teachers to showcasing success stories and engaging with literacy learners, the event reaffirmed a shared commitment to leaving no one behind in the journey towards learning and opportunity.

JICA, in collaboration with the Directorate of Literacy & Non-Formal Education (DL&NFE), celebrated International Literacy Day 2026 on 8 September at the Arts Council Karachi under the global theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”

The event brought together government representatives, JICA, UNICEF, implementing partners, educationists, civil society, parents, facilitators and NFE learners to reaffirm a shared commitment to making **quality, inclusive and accessible education a reality for all.**

The ceremony was graced by **Honourable Minister for Education, Syed Sardar Ali Shah**, as Chief Guest, while Mr. Zahid Ali Abbasi, Secretary SE&LD, presided over the event. Mr. Abdul Jabbar Mari, Director LNFE, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collective action in expanding literacy and learning opportunities.

A key highlight was the signing of Letters of Understanding (LoUs) between DL&NFE and leading education partners, including. The Citizens Foundation (TCF), Right To Play International, PDLC–Beaconhouse Group, and Cambridge University, strengthening collaboration for literacy and non-formal education initiatives across Sindh.

The voices of NFE learners remained at the heart of the celebration. **Sobh and Loveet Kumar**, members of the Children’s Parliament, shared their inspiring educational journeys, while learners and facilitators presented tableaus and success stories demonstrating the transformative power of education.

For JICA AQAL, the occasion reinforced a shared vision: when we expand learning opportunities, we empower people, strengthen communities and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.

🤝 Together, let’s make literacy a pathway to opportunity for everyone.

The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD,Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, in collaboration with JICA & Unesco hosted the International Literacy Day 2026 celebrations at Zaki Auditorium, AIOU, Islamabad, marking the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day.

The event brought together federal and provincial leadership, development partners and education stakeholders to reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing literacy and inclusive education across Pakistan.

The programme featured key messages from UNESCO and UNICEF, a discussion by JICA on partnerships for literacy, the launch of the EOTO Mobile App, provincial priorities, NFE reforms, and addresses by the Chief Guest and Co-Chief Guest.

The event was graced by Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with representatives from Balochistan, UNICEF, UNESCO, JICA, NCHD, AIOU and the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training.

✨ The celebration reaffirmed a collective commitment to strong partnerships, innovative solutions and inclusive education — building a more literate, educated and prosperous Pakistan, leaving no one behind.