Sindh govt to set up 500 centres to enrol 15,000 out-of-school children

The Sindh government on Friday decided to establish 500 non-formal education centres to enrol 15,000 out of school children.

These children are from underprivileged areas and will be helped to complete primary education within 30 months through the non-formal education system. Officials said the government has signed an agreement to establish 500 non-formal education centres under a public-private partnership. Under the directives of Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, the initiative aims to help 15,000 out-of-school children from underprivileged areas complete their primary education within 30 months.

A ceremony was held in Karachi to formalize the agreement with partner organizations. The event was attended by Secretary School Education & Literacy Department Zahid Ali Abbasi as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Chief Executive Advisor Curriculum Wing & Additional Secretary Dr Fauzia Khan, Executive Director STEDA Rasool Bux Shah, Director Literacy & Non-Formal Education Sindh Abdul Jabbar Mari, Director General of Monitoring & Evaluation, Mola Bux Shaikh, and Deputy Chief Advisor JICA Abid Gul, along with other relevant officials and representatives from partner organizations.

Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi stated that under the minister’s guidance, non-formal education centres would be established specifically in underprivileged areas. In the first phase, five districts with relatively lower literacy rates—Jacobabad, Kashmore, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, and Umerkot—have been selected. He emphasized that Sindh is the first province in Pakistan to develop a formal curriculum for non-formal education.

He added that along with traditional education systems, the government is also working on non-formal initiatives. This project will provide 15,000 out-of-school children with an alternative path to education outside the conventional system. The secretary urged the partner organization to priorities girls’ participation in this initiative.

Director Literacy and Non-Formal Education Sindh Abdul Jabbar Mari explained that under the Accelerated Learning Program, students will be able to complete their primary education within 30 months. Additionally, after completing the primary course, students will receive assistance in securing admission to elementary school (class 6), ensuring continuity in their education.