Initiative will help resolve problems faced by locals. PHOTO: FILE
Although the minister has given the green signal for the project, experts will now evaluate the pilot project.
In this budget for 2016-17, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government has approved 200 smart schools. The first school has been set up in the shape of a container in Lakki Marwat. The provincial government completed the project with the support of World Bank at a cost of Rs12.5 million.
The first container school was established in Lakki Marwat. After approval of technical experts and engineers, the tender would be advertised for 200 more schools. The schools will be established for disaster-hit areas such as Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Shangla, Kohistan and Torghar.
Perks and benefits
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Wednesday, Najiullah Khattak, the media adviser of the provincial government’s media cell, confirmed Muhammad Atif’s visit to Lakki Marwat to inspect the initiative.
“The minister was accompanied by the education secretary and additional secretary,” he said. “They appreciated the efforts of those involved in the project.”
According to Khattak, the container school was equipped with facilities and would provide quality education to children across the province.
“The container school will be built at a comparatively low cost,” he said. “It will be completed over a short span of time.”
The media adviser added the container school will remain mobile and shift from one place to another.
“The estimated construction cost of a regular school is Rs12.75 million,” he said. “Meanwhile, the container schools could be established in Rs12.5 million.”
Khattak said the school will be completed in 25 days.
“Each school will comprise six classrooms and six teachers,” he added.
The media adviser told The Express Tribune solar power units would be installed to avoid disruption of classes due to prolonged power outages.
“Multimedia facilities will also be provided at the facility,” he said. “The schools will also have air-conditioners, water coolers, play area and biometric system.”
He said these schools will deliver education to the doorstep of every child and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
“Locals of several areas complained about the lack of schools,” he said. “These facilities will resolve the challenges faced by people. Containers schools can be set up anywhere over a short period of time. They can also be shifted to areas where they are most needed.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2016.
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