Lahore: Some 2,863 schools in 11 flood-hit districts of Punjab have been damaged, declares the education department. “With a view to restoring normal functioning of schools in flood-affected areas, a comprehensive action plan is being prepared in collaboration with Unicef,” said a statement issued by the department here on Thursday.

“Under the approved plan of action text books, drinking water and teaching material should be provided (to schools) on an urgent basis

Under the programme, the teachers of flood-affected schools had been directed to join their duties and make arrangements for cleanliness and necessary repairs of school buildings so that academic activities could be restarted after summer vacation.

“Under the approved plan of action text books, drinking water and teaching material should be provided (to schools) on an urgent basis,” it said.

“Once the floodwater recedes the district officers of the education department, monitoring officers and Unicef staff will conduct a survey for assessment of the damages. Necessary action will be taken for the restoration of these schools in the light of surveys.”

The department said the floods had resulted in increase in poverty in the affected areas. Financial problems might affect the studies of the children and dropout rate might also surge consequently, it said.

The provincial secretary (schools) has directed the officials concerned to gather all the necessary details pertaining to damaged school buildings like furniture and water points, extent of the damaged etc.

He also asked them to do the exercise carefully so that a comprehensive rehabilitation plan could be prepared and implemented.

- Staff Reporter