Rain-hit schools to undergo repairs

FDE mulls incentives for rural teachers to improve retention

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has announced plans to repair schools damaged by recent heavy rains in Islamabad's rural areas.

The director general of FDE, accompanied by senior officials, conducted a visit to six affected schools to assess the damage and reinforce the government's ongoing efforts to improve educational facilities.

During the visit, the director general outlined a plan to restore the schools within 10 days. The plan includes whitewashing, electrification, washroom repairs, and the repair of window panes. This initiative follows earlier inspections by Parliamentarians, reflecting the government's focus on enhancing rural educational institutions.

Specific tasks were assigned to the project director, including the establishment of a computer lab with 40 computers at Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) Maira Begwal, the construction of a boundary wall at Islamabad Model School for Boys (IMSB) Phulgran, and the establishment of a library at Islamabad Model School for Girls (IMSG) Phulgran.

The director general also emphasised the importance of increasing enrolment in rural schools and highlighted key initiatives by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MOFEPT). These initiatives include recruiting additional teachers, launching a school meal program, establishing Mother and Child Health Centres, and introducing IT labs to enhance digital literacy.

To ensure accountability and progress, the director general instructed AEOs to visit schools within their jurisdiction regularly. He also said incentive programmes for rural teachers are being considered to improve retention and motivation in these areas. FDE officials will be stationed at the six schools to oversee the repair work.