ISLAMABAD: A rapid assessment of 120 girls’ schools in Swat district, carried out by Unesco, has revealed widespread damage to roofs, walls, and basic water and sanitation facilities, and called for a climate-resilient recovery to keep students learning safely.
In a bid to restore safe learning environments, Unesco launched a rapid education infrastructure damage and climate resilience assessment across 120 government primary schools in four flood-affected areas of Swat. It found that more than 12,000 girls have been affected, with many continuing to learn, often in unsafe conditions. The results of the assessment were announced on Friday.
The assessment, carried out in the sub-districts of Bahrain, Charbagh, Khwazakhela and Matta, found that 46 per cent of schools reported leaking or damaged roofs, while 31pc reported damaged boundary walls, raising safety and protection concerns, especially for girls.
One in four schools lacked safe drinking water, 35pc did not have fully functional sanitation facilities, directly affecting attendance, and 93pc had no functional psychosocial or protection referral mechanism, leaving children, particularly vulnerable girls, without structured support.
Unesco’s assessment called for risk-informed, climate-resilient recovery, especially for schools located near riverbanks, streams and landslide-prone areas.
It recommended to the government to rebuild roofs and boundary walls, restore electricity, and secure learning spaces to make schools safe.
Fixing water and sanitation facilities quickly would ensure safe drinking water, functional toilets for girls and reliable hygiene facilities.
Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2026.
