In a significant step toward improving education in rural Pakistan, the Panda Industries Association and the Chinese International Academy have donated a school building in the Chah Darkhan area of Dera Ghazi Khan. This initiative aims to integrate underprivileged children into the formal education system, drawing inspiration from China’s successful Hope Primary School model.
The Hope Primary School system in China operates through a well-structured mechanism that ensures sustainability, transparency, and quality education. Funded by social donations, enterprises, and public activities, these schools are strategically built in underserved areas. Post-construction, they are supervised by qualified enterprises and youth development foundations to maintain standards. Teacher allocation includes both local education departments and volunteer teachers, who bring innovative teaching methods. Daily operations are managed by local authorities, adhering to national education and financial guidelines.
China’s Consul General Zhao Shiren has emphasized strengthening Pakistan-China relations through educational collaborations. Initiatives like the Hope Primary School model are pivotal in providing quality education to underprivileged children in Pakistan, fostering a generation of knowledgeable and responsible citizens.
The donation comes as a response to the educational crisis in Chah Darkhan, where Javed Iqbal and his team have been running an informal open-air school for 130 children since the devastating 2022 floods. Despite lacking basic facilities like classrooms, furniture, and books, their grassroots efforts have been a lifeline for young learners.
The new school building, donated by the Panda Industries Association and the Chinese International Academy, marks a turning point for these children. The project is part of a broader collaboration involving China’s Consulate in Lahore, local organizations, and Chinese enterprises. During the donation ceremony, China’s Deputy Consul General Cao Ke highlighted the social responsibility of Chinese enterprises and reaffirmed commitments to expanding educational initiatives in Dera Ghazi Khan, including building more schools and reintegrating out-of-school children.
Javed Iqbal, the Hope Primary School Principal, expressed deep gratitude for the support, acknowledging the challenges of teaching without proper facilities. He vowed to continue his mission of spreading education in Punjab’s underprivileged areas, ensuring a brighter future for the region’s children.
This collaboration not only addresses immediate educational needs but also sets a precedent for sustainable development and cross-border partnerships in uplifting marginalized communities.