Signing Ceremony for Advancing Quality Alternative Learning Project Phase 3 (AQAL3) to Promote Alternative Learning in Pakistan

Islamabad, August 6, 2025 — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Pakistan held a signing ceremony of the Record of Discussion to mark the launch of the Advancing Quality Alternative Learning Project Phase 3 (AQAL3). This event represents a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts between Japan and Pakistan to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children and promote inclusive education.

For over 70 years, JICA has stood alongside Pakistan in its pursuit of sustainable development, with education being a central pillar of this partnership. In particular, JICA has supported the non-formal education (NFE) sector for more than three decades, contributing to the development and expansion of the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) across all provinces. Through utilizing ALP, thousands of children and adults who were previously excluded from the formal education system, now have access to educational opportunities.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Pakistan continues to face a high number of out-of-school children—estimated at 25.3 million—and adult literacy rates remain low at 58%. AQAL3 is designed to address these challenges by strengthening the government’s capacity to promote compulsory basic education and lifelong learning opportunities through alternative learning pathways. The project will be implemented from October 2025 to March 2031, in collaboration with key federal and provincial agencies, including the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, and education departments, directorates and foundations in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

AQAL3 aims to establish an effective governance and management system that supports diversified learning modes. It will enhance the delivery of ALP programs at the middle and middle-tech levels through distance learning, technology-integrated approaches, and hybrid models. Additionally, the project will improve and expand ALP programs at the matric and matric-tech levels and scale up Integrated Literacy and Skills (ILS) programs to support foundational learning for low-literate youth and adults.

During the ceremony, Mr. MIYATA Naoaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office emphasized the importance of AQAL3 as a flagship initiative in JICA’s education portfolio. He highlighted that the project represents the culmination of JICA’s long-standing support in the NFE sector and called on all counterparts to actively engage in its implementation. He also expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of all stakeholders, noting that their commitment is shaping a brighter future for Pakistan.

The signing of AQAL3 reaffirms the shared commitment of Japan and Pakistan to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of education and development.

Mr. MIYATA Naoaki, Chief Representative of JICA and representatives from Balochistan Province, Federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Punjab Province, Sindh Province and Ministry of Economic Affairs at the signing ceremony.