CURRENT Education INITIATIVES
MUNAWAR PUBLIC SCHOOL MACHULO GHANCHE
Background
The Munawar Public School Machulo (MPS Machulo) is a community school located in the northeast of the district headquarters, Khaplu Ghanche, approximately 15 kilometers away. The school was funded and operated by the Felix Foundation Baltistan (FFB) until 2019.
Challenges
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and its global repercussions, funding from Spain ceased in March 2021. Consequently, the school has been facing a persistent financial deficit.
Despite the school management’s best efforts to address this deficit, their attempts have not been successful. The School Management Committee (SMC) eventually decided to impose fees on both boys and girls. Unfortunately, the Hushe Valley is an economically underdeveloped area where many parents cannot afford to pay fees, particularly for their daughters.
As a result, there has been a significant increase in student dropouts. Some parents have transferred their children to government schools, while others have kept their children at home. This situation poses a serious loss to the community, particularly to the village of Machulo.
Initiatives
To maintain the quality of education, the Felix Inurrategi Foundation Baltistan Machulo (FIFBM) has taken several initiatives. The foundation has approached various NGOs and individuals for support. Iqra Fund, Marafie Foundation and some individuals are currently assisting by covering fees and contributing to infrastructure development. These efforts have led to noticeable improvements in the quality of education at the school.
However, to ensure further progress and provide a sustainable, high-quality education, additional sponsors and support are urgently needed.
Baleygon Village School: A Model of Collaboration
Located in the remote mountains of Northern Pakistan, the Baleygon Village School was established by the government in 1985 but struggled with inadequate infrastructure and poor educational quality.
In 2010, the Wild Frontiers Foundation initiated its most ambitious project by constructing a new school building in the village. Through fundraising treks and consistent support, the foundation enhanced the school’s infrastructure, funded teachers’ salaries, and introduced essential facilities, including a toilet block, to promote gender equality in education.
To improve the functionality of the school, the Felix Inurategi Foundation Baltistan Machulo signed an MOU with the government and Wild Frontiers Foundation, merging two schools to create a model institution. The Felix Foundation now manages the school, while the government and Wild Frontiers provide salaries, resources, and training, ensuring quality education for the community. Additionally a well equipped Early Childhood Development Center (ECD) also established recently. All stakeholders are striving to provide quality education in the school.
Government Model Primary School Khadi: A Collaborative Effort for Quality Education
Located in the remote mountains of Northern Pakistan, Khadi School faced challenges with inadequate infrastructure and poor educational standards. In 2010, the Felix Foundation significantly improved the school by enhancing its infrastructure, funding teachers’ salaries, and introducing essential facilities, including a toilet block, to promote quality education. Additionally, the Marafie Foundation contributed by constructing additional classroom for the school.
To further improve its functionality, the Felix Inurategi Foundation Baltistan Machulo partnered with the government and Iqra Fund through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a model school. Today, the Felix Foundation manages the school, while the government and Iqra Fund provide teacher salaries, educational resources, and training.
All stakeholders are working collaboratively to enhance the school’s offerings, with a particular focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, ensuring a brighter future for the community’s children.
To further improve the quality of education additional teachers are needed due to the increasing number of students.
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