The Sindh government has unveiled its blueprint for implementing a non-formal education system across the province, aiming to cater to the educational needs of over two million children who are currently out of school. The initiative intends to compress the elementary-level education into a span of four years.
During a meeting chaired by Sindh’s Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, it was disclosed that a comprehensive curriculum and coursework have been devised for this non-formal education system. Moreover, efforts are underway to establish the ‘Sindh Non-formal Education Authority’ in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), operating in a Public-Private Partnership model.
Under this initiative, out-of-school children will have the opportunity to receive education up to class eight, alongside vocational training, with the overarching goal of empowering more than two million boys and girls in the province over the next four years. To ensure accessibility, non-formal education centers will be set up in areas where there is a higher concentration of out-of-school children.
In addressing challenges such as post-primary dropout rates, Minister Sardar Shah emphasized plans to upgrade primary schools where necessary, with a particular focus on prioritizing STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the curriculum.
Acknowledging the role of science exhibitions in stimulating student interest, the minister instructed education authorities to arrange such exhibitions at various levels, providing a platform for youth to exhibit their talents and innovative ideas.
In a separate meeting with officers from the Directorate of Private Institutions, Minister Sardar Ali Shah directed the enhancement of monitoring mechanisms for private schools. He also announced the appointment of 35 inspectors across the province to oversee the operations of private schools at the district level.
Additionally, private schools are required to offer scholarships to 10% of their students and include Sindhi language as a subject in their curriculum. Collaboration with the Sindhi Language Authority is also in the pipeline to train teachers in effectively teaching the Sindhi language.
There are no reviews yet.