Education is the key to Helmand's ability to build a better future for its children. The PRT works with the Ministry of Education to increase education provision in Helmand.

The current literacy rate in Helmand for the male population above 15 is 20% and 1% for the female population above 15. But improvements are being made. The Education team in the PRT are assisting the Ministry of Education's capacity to provide Helmand communities with access to formal education by improving the quality of learning and recruiting qualified teachers.

There are now 145 schools open in Helmand, up from 47 in December 2007.

Pupil enrolment is rising in Helmand. In July 2011 93,173 pupls were attending school, an increase of 76% since 2007. 21,431 female students are enrolled in schools - a 50% increase since 2007. In 2001 there were no girls enrolled in schools.

23 new school buildings have been constructed since 2008. 4 dormitory buildings and 4 dining facilities are nearing completion which will provide temporary accommodation for 2,000 secondary and tertiary students.

The Danish governent allocated $7.5 million for education in Helmand in 2008 and appointed a second Education Adviser in the PRT in January 2009. A third advisor funded by DFID was also appointed in August 2011. A further $3 million has been allocated for 2010-12 targeting both on-budget infrastructure and capacity building programmes led by the Provincial Education Department (PED). This programming will increase the capacity of the PED to monitor and evaluate the Ministry of Education, increase access to education in districts and improve girl's education opportunities.