‘Book Van’ and ‘Science Ride’ bring learning to Balochistan villages

QUETTA: In a unique and effective initiative aimed at illuminating the path of knowledge in remote and underdeveloped areas of Balochistan, the ‘Book Van’ and ‘Science Ride’ projects are actively delivering education door-to-door to children across villages.

According to a statement, the Balochistan education department has organised these projects with the support of Unicef in 14 districts of the province to provide opportunities to students in remote areas to acquire knowledge through books.

“These innovative mobile units have emerged as a new ray of hope, significantly increasing children’s engagement with education. Orig–inally lau­n­ched as mobile schools, the initiative has now evolved into moving libraries, teaching centres, and modern ‘Science Rides’,” it added.

“In particular, the mobile science lab is playing a vital role in promoting scientific thinking, curiosity, and a learning spirit in areas where educational facilities are limited.”

Officials said that the ‘Book Van’ project was currently operational in 14 districts of the province, including Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Pishin, Chaman, Quetta, Lasbela, Hub, Gwadar, Jaffa­rabad, Kachhi, Kech, Jhal Magsi, and Nushki. Mea–nwhile, the “Science Ride”­ is successfully functioning in Jaffarabad district.

The students welcomed the ‘Book Van’ journey initiative. District officials said students were taking an interest in books and termed it a positive step by the government and Unicef.

“We got great opportunities to gain knowledge through books which were displayed in the vehicles. We purchased many books on different subjects,” Zainab Shambay, a female student, said, adding that such “Book Van” journeys should also be arranged in other districts of Balochistan.

“Books are key to knowledge and reaching a high level. Our teachers reached there through reading books,” another girl student said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has praised the initiative, stating that such creative and courageous efforts were a strong guarantee of a brighter and more educated future for the province.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026