K-P targets 1m new enrollments
In a major push to ensure access to quality education for every child in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday regarding the ongoing School Enrollment Campaign 2025.
With a target of enrolling 1 million out-of-school children this year, the provincial government remains committed to transforming the education landscape and ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
A detailed presentation was given on the issue of out-of-school children and the strategies being implemented to bring them into the classrooms. The meeting was informed that approximately 4.9 million children remain out of school across the province, while 9 million are currently enrolled in educational institutions.
Special Secretary Education briefed the participants that District Education Officers (DEOs) are specifically targeting clusters with high concentrations of unenrolled children.
Emphasizing the importance of community participation, the forum was apprised that a comprehensive door-to-door enrollment drive is underway, involving schoolteachers and local influencers.
Additionally, elected representatives of local bodies, youth volunteers, community elders, and religious leaders are being mobilized to support the campaign at the grassroots level.
The Chief Secretary underscored that robust community engagement and sustained advocacy are pivotal to the success of the enrollment initiative.
He further directed DEOs and district administrations to ensure timely updating and submission of accurate enrollment data to facilitate evidence-based planning and decision-making.
To incentivize enrollment and ease the burden on families, school bags and stationery items are being distributed free of cost to newly enrolled students.
Moreover, the government is set to launch the "Taleem Card" initiative in the near future, aimed at further supporting students and families in their pursuit of education.
The meeting also reviewed plans for the establishment of community schools for girls, creation of Early Childhood Education (ECE) corners, and training of teachers in ECE methodologies.
It was emphasized that efforts to reduce early dropouts will be strengthened through the effective utilization of Parent-Teacher Councils (PTCs).
The Chief Secretary highlighted that the provision of quality primary education remains a top priority and reiterated the importance of adequate teachers and classroom infrastructure to meet the demand.