PM sets up education endowment fund

Pledges allocation of Rs25b over five years, 4% of GDP by 2029

ISLAMABAD:

To bolster efforts in reducing the number of out-of-school children, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced the establishment of an Out-of-School Children Fund, with a minimum allocation of Rs25 billion over five years.

The fund will support innovative and effective strategies aimed at increasing enrolment and retention rates, particularly in marginalised communities.

According to a statement, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT) will survey out-of-school children across the nation.

The directives are part of a National Education Emergency plan. These initiatives, spanning various aspects of education, are poised to reshape the country's educational landscape and ensure equitable access to quality education for all, the communique read.

“This review will form the basis for developing targeted interventions to bring these children into the educational fold. A detailed plan will be crafted and presented to the prime minister for consideration, reflecting a proactive approach to tackle this critical issue.”

In a bid to address the broader educational crisis, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT) Ministry will propose the formation of a task force. This task force, subject to the prime minister's approval, will devise and implement strategic solutions at both the national and provincial levels. Comprising representatives from provinces and bilateral and multilateral partners, the task force will report directly to the prime minister's office, ensuring coordinated action.

Moreover, the premier pledged to increase the budget allocation for education to 4 per cent of GDP by 2029. This increase in funding will be directed towards infrastructural improvements and the provision of quality education, signalling a long-term commitment to educational development.

Recognising the importance of qualified teachers in enhancing educational standards, the Ministry of FE&PT, in collaboration with provincial governments, will launch a fast-track recruitment drive for teachers across the country. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in teacher-student ratios and improve overall educational outcomes.

To ensure student well-being, a comprehensive national nutritional programme will be launched. This programme, focused on school-going children, aims to improve their health and enhance their learning capabilities. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) will play a crucial role in establishing school meals initiatives in priority backward districts.

To harness the potential of community-based teaching, incentives will be provided to engage literate citizens in imparting education at relevant levels. This grassroots approach aims to augment the existing educational infrastructure and foster a culture of learning within communities.

In a bid to support students from underprivileged backgrounds, the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund will be established. This fund will provide sustainable financial support to students in backward districts, including merit-based scholarships to deserving students.

The establishment of Daanish School systems as Centres of Excellence in provinces will further enhance educational opportunities for students, focusing on quality education and skill development, read the official statement.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2024.