KARACHI:
With reference to the editorial, ‘A blueprint for change’ published in this newspaper recently, the recognition of Government Girls Lower Secondary School Tando Mir Ghulam Hussain among the world’s top 10 finalists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2026 is both heartening and instructive. At a time when Pakistan’s education system is frequently discussed in terms of declining standards, inadequate infrastructure and high dropout rates, this remarkable achievement reminds us that dedicated teachers and community-centred leadership can overcome challenges that often appear insurmountable.
The success of this school lies not in extraordinary financial resources but in its willingness to understand and respond to local realities. By introducing flexible class timings, remedial learning, activity-based teaching and, most importantly, regular engagement with parents through home visits, the school addressed the root causes of absenteeism and dropout. Such initiatives recognise that education cannot flourish in isolation from the social and economic circumstances of families.
Equally significant is the transformation in community attitudes. Persuading parents to value education over child labour and early marriage represents a lasting social change whose impact will extend far beyond the classroom. The impressive improvements in enrolment, attendance, literacy and numeracy demonstrate that when schools earn the confidence of their communities, meaningful progress naturally follows. Even more encouraging is the confidence these young girls have developed, enabling them to participate in and excel at international competitions.
This school’s success should be documented and replicated nationwide, as it proves that compassion, commitment and flexible approaches can transform lives and provide Pakistan with a practical model for educational renewal.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
