A significant step towards inclusive education has been achieved in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, with the enrollment of 1,769 out-of-school children into 50 Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) centers. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort between SRSP and UNICEF Pakistan, with financial support from UNICEF.
The program focused on three districts: Peshawar, Kohat, and Mansehra, providing crucial educational opportunities to children who were previously unable to access formal schooling. The initiative successfully graduated 704 boys and 1,065 girls, demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equality in education.
Key Highlights:
Reaching Vulnerable Children: The program effectively targeted both host communities and Afghan refugee children, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn and grow.
Focus on Accelerated Learning: The ALP centers provide a fast-track education model, enabling children to quickly catch up on missed learning and acquire essential skills.
Empowering Girls: The high number of girls graduating from the program is a testament to the program’s dedication to empowering female students and promoting gender equality in education.
This successful initiative serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations in addressing the critical issue of out-of-school children. By providing access to quality education, these programs empower children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and contribute to a brighter future.
Surya Khel, a rural village in Nowshera district, faced significant challenges in accessing basic Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. This was further compounded by the presence of both Afghan refugees and the local host community, both struggling with limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation.
Recognizing this critical need, SRSP, in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan, implemented the “IR&EG” project. This initiative aimed to improve WASH infrastructure in Surya Khel by:
Constructing sanitation schemes: Providing access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities for all residents.
Installing hand-pumps: Ensuring access to clean drinking water for the entire community.
Rehabilitating and improving WASH infrastructure at the Government Primary School (GPS) Surya Khel: Prioritizing the health and hygiene of children.
These interventions have had a profound impact on the lives of over 1,300 people, including 570 Afghan refugees and their children. By enhancing the overall health and hygiene conditions in the village, the project has contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for all residents.
Beyond Infrastructure: Fostering Social Cohesion
A key aspect of this successful project has been its inclusive approach. By actively involving both the host and Afghan communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the WASH infrastructure, the project has not only improved access to essential services but also strengthened social bonds between the two communities.
This collective effort has fostered a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, promoting greater understanding and cooperation among the residents of Surya Khel.
Conclusion
The Surya Khel project serves as a powerful example of how inclusive development approaches can effectively address critical needs while simultaneously promoting social cohesion and community empowerment. By prioritizing the needs of all residents, regardless of their origin, and by fostering active community participation, this project has demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive development.
The 2022 floods in Pakistan wreaked havoc, causing widespread destruction, including significant damage to schools in District Swat. In the face of this adversity, a collaborative effort between the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) and Save the Children Pakistan Program has been instrumental in reviving education in the region.
Key Initiatives:
School Rehabilitation: 32 schools have been successfully rehabilitated, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
Solar Power Integration: To address potential power outages and enhance sustainability, solar systems are being installed in 38 schools.
Inclusive Facilities: Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, all rehabilitated schools feature inclusive twin toilet blocks, catering to the needs of all students.
Model Girls’ Primary School: A state-of-the-art model Girls’ primary school has been constructed. This school incorporates a modern approach to disaster risk reduction and includes dedicated facilities for children with special needs.
Emergency Education: Recognizing the immediate need for education continuity, 38 tent schools were swiftly established in Swat to ensure that learning continued uninterrupted during the emergency.
Impact:
These efforts have had a significant positive impact on the lives of young students in Swat. Over 6,007 students, including 3,908 girls and 2,099 boys, have been able to resume their education thanks to these initiatives.
Recent Developments:
The recently inaugurated Girls’ primary model school, officiated by the Minister for KP Elementary & Secondary Education Department, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery efforts. This school serves as a beacon of hope, providing a high-quality education for young girls in the region.
Conclusion:
The collaborative efforts of SRSP and Save the Children Pakistan Program have been crucial in reviving education in Swat Valley following the devastating floods of 2022. By prioritizing school rehabilitation, incorporating sustainable energy solutions, and ensuring inclusivity, these organizations have not only provided students with access to education but also empowered them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future.
The Minister for Local Government Elections & Rural Development Department KP recently inaugurated a Women and Girls Facilitation Space (WGFS) established by SRSP in Hattar, Haripur. This initiative, supported by UNFPA Pakistan, aims to provide crucial services and support to women and girls in the region.
During the inauguration, SRSP staff presented an overview of the services offered at the WGFS, which are designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by both local and Afghan refugee women.
The Minister also took the opportunity to distribute certificates to participants who had successfully completed short skills training programs. This recognition highlights the importance of empowering women through skill development and economic opportunities.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the valuable work being undertaken by SRSP and UNFPA in addressing the critical issues faced by women and girls in the region.
Key Takeaways:
The establishment of the WGFS in Hattar, Haripur, signifies a significant step towards improving the lives of women and girls in the region.
The WGFS will provide vital services and support to women and girls, including both local residents and Afghan refugees.
The skills training programs offered at the WGFS will empower women economically and enhance their livelihoods.
This collaboration between SRSP, UNFPA, and the government demonstrates a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in the region.
At SRSP, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. We are thrilled to share the success of a recent initiative that empowered 25 women from District Lower Chitral with essential digital skills.
In collaboration with the PATRIP Foundation, we conducted a two-month intensive training program focused on “Amazon Virtual Assistance.” This program aimed to equip these women with the necessary digital literacy to participate in the growing online economy.
By mastering the skills required to support Amazon sellers, these women are now better positioned for self-employment and increased household income. This initiative represents a significant step towards financial independence and economic empowerment for women in this mountainous region.
The Additional Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Elementary & Secondary Education Department recently conducted a visit to government schools in District Mohmand. The purpose of the visit was to observe the progress of rehabilitation work being carried out under the #RSPN/#FCDO-funded “BCBS” project.
Key Highlights:
School Visits: The Additional Secretary personally visited several government schools in the district to assess the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Student Interaction: During her visit, she interacted with students and distributed valuable student learning kits and teaching kits to enhance the learning experience.
Distribution Ceremony: The distribution ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including District Education Officers (both male and female), the Assistant Commissioner of Ekka Ghund, and members of the Provincial Training Council (PTC).
Appreciation and Support: The Additional Secretary expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by the SRSP (Sustainable Rural and Social Programme) under the BCBS project. She also assured the Elementary and Secondary Education Department’s continued support for education initiatives across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the merged districts.
Impact:
This visit and the distribution of learning materials are expected to have a positive impact on the quality of education in District Mohmand. By providing students with essential learning resources and supporting the rehabilitation of schools, the KP government is demonstrating its commitment to improving educational outcomes for children in the region.
Conclusion:
The visit by the Additional Secretary highlights the importance of government engagement in education initiatives. By directly observing the progress of projects and interacting with students, officials can gain valuable insights and ensure that resources are effectively utilized to improve the learning environment for all children.
Publications