Upholding the Right to Education: Climate-Resilient School Inaugurated in Umerkot

UMERKOT, Feb 26, 2026 – In a renewed commitment to ensuring the fundamental right to quality education, the retrofitted Government Boys Primary School (GBPS) Essa Mangrio in Union Council KS, Atta Mohammad Palli, was officially inaugurated today.
The rehabilitation was carried out under the Restoring Social Services & Climate Resilience (RSS&CR) project, funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and implemented by the Association for Water, Applied Education & Renewable Energy (AWARE).
The ceremony was attended by Mian Pir Mohammad Walhari, Vice Chairman District Council Umerkot, and Haji Mohammad Hussain Mangrio, along with community leaders, teachers, and residents. The event also featured a tree-planting activity on the school premises, underscoring the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Mian Pir Mohammad Walhari emphasized that education is a basic human right and a collective responsibility. He stated that retrofitting the school to withstand climate-related challenges ensures that children of Essa Mangrio have access to a safe, secure, and dignified learning environment, which is essential for the district’s progress.
Haji Mohammad Hussain Mangrio noted that a child’s right to education is closely linked to the environment provided for learning. He highlighted that the project not only rehabilitated infrastructure but also restored community dignity and confidence. With improved facilities, an increase in enrollment is anticipated, strengthening access to education for all households in the Union Council.
Sher Mohammad Mangrio, Head Teacher of GBPS Essa Mangrio, shared that students had long struggled with inadequate facilities that affected their learning experience. He described the renovated, climate-resilient school as a symbol of hope, adding that a safe and well-equipped educational space motivates children to remain in school and excel academically.
Representing AWARE, Rajab Ali Samejo reaffirmed the AWARE’s commitment to ensuring that environmental and geographical challenges do not hinder a child’s right to learn. He stated that the climate-resilient retrofitting contributes to educational equity and aligns with international safety and human rights standards.
He further expressed gratitude to the Village Organisation (VO) Essa Mangrio, whose leadership and coordination with the School Management Committee (SMC) and the Head Teacher ensured transparency and community ownership throughout the rehabilitation process.
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort to restore essential social services and build resilient, inclusive communities where every child can access quality education in a safe learning environment.