Lahore   –  Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR) organized a conference on “Fulfilling the Dream of Free & Compulsory Education (Article 25-A of the constitution of Pakistan)” wherein speakers urged the government to engage relevant stakeholders, including independent education policy experts in policy-making process to develop comprehensive education policy that addresses education-related issues. Peter Jacob, Dr. A. H. Nayyar, Dr. Baela Raza Jamil, Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dr. Yaqoob Khan Bangash, Saqib Jillani Advocate, Raza Ali Advocate, Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan, Abida Mukhtar, Faaria Khan, and Shafaq Minhas were among the speakers, while the provincial minister for school education Punjab, Rana Sikander Hayat also addressed the conference. Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat said that the government is committed to investing more funds in education, which will be used to improve the quality of early childhood education, enhance access to technology in schools, and elevate the standard of teachers training. He reiterated that the Ministry of Education will empower school management councils to effectively address education-related issues, and introduce reforms to promote social cohesion and ensure equal learning opportunities for all students. The executive director at CSJ, Peter Jacob highlighted the challenges stemming from institutional disconnect and policy vacuum caused by a lack of coherence in policy decisions and a lack of coordination among relevant public bodies. He acknowledged the announcement of an education emergency and emphasized the need for clear strategies and measures to address the barriers and gaps in achieving the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education. He observed that the involvement of relevant stakeholders including independent experts in education policy and human rights is crucial in developing goals, targets, and actions for the upcoming education policy. Dr. Baela Raza Jamil expressed concern over the learning loss experienced by children in Pakistan, attributing to inadequate funding provided by duty bearers, and the lack of approval of rules of business, which hampers the implementation of federal and provincial laws related to the right to free and compulsory education guaranteed in Article 25-A of the constitution of Pakistan. She said that the government needs to prioritize early childhood education to improve learning outcomes and language skills among children, and stressed engaging authentic stakeholders in the policy-making process to develop genuine solutions tailored to address education-related issues within the specific context. Dr. A. H. Nayyar stated that a predominant religion-specific content is present in textbooks that promotes a certain ideology which is a violation of Article 22 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that the government needs to abolish textbook boards, and offer multiple textbooks from private publishers to enhance the quality of learning, teaching, and examination, which would foster critical thinking and creative writing skills among students and teachers.

Source: https://www.nation.com.pk/18-Apr-2024/minister-says-govt-committed-to-investing-more-funds-in-education

Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani with students at a career fest in G-B. PHOTO: TWITTER (@csgbpk)

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), the land endowed with the glorious peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Mashabrum, RakaPoshi along with 7,000 glaciers, is determined to scale new heights through holistic education reforms.

It all began in April 2022 when a chief secretary deeply committed to education was posted in G-B and emanated historic transformations. This was evident when I was visiting schools in G-B this week and witnessed holistic academic and non-academic practices in academic institutions, observing ‘what works and why’.

Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, the chief secretary of G-B, is a reformer to the core with a vision of excellence in education and learning, entitlements through technology and STEM, and empowerment through devolved governance supported by trust. He is the epitome of ‘bureaucratic will’ driven by evidence, system and outcome-based reforms. As a seasoned civil servant, he well-informed about the possibilities and limits of working within systems along with teams and key stakeholders. His mission has been to transform the education system in G-B – ensuring that schools are safe and functional, teachers are adequate and supported for active teaching, technology and STEM is an entitlement, and that all children are healthy, stimulated and confident to learn, matched by progressive financing.

Within one year, he has initiated various robust reforms in G-B’s almost 1,800 schools enrolling quarter of a million students – be it in STEM tech, afternoon free coaching, improving school infrastructure with additions in sports /IT/library/ science facilities, devolving extraordinary powers to cluster head teachers, ensuring nourishing and holistic formative assessments.

Courageous and caring to the core, he reconstructed a girls’ school that was tragically torched by unidentified assailants within a day and proceeded to hold the school’s winter sports gala as planned even when extremist groups threatened with dire consequences. These bold actions by the administrative chief were greatly appreciated and applauded by the people of the region, especially grateful parents who were ‘so happy to see reforms in education for the first time in G-B’s history and were hopeful of a bright future for their children’.

Such lasting reforms must be backed by skills in finance and accountability, and Wani knew this well. He provided all head teachers and principals who are Drawing and Disbursement Officers (DDOs) with the authority to receive and spend funds to fulfil the required needs of their schools. The reform, notified on March 10^th, 2023, is built on an existing building block which has not only empowered the DDOs with responsibility of enhanced financial, administrative and performance appraisal powers, but also for postings and transfers of staff/ teachers (up to grade BPS-18). By devolving practical and strategic authority to the local level, the reform instantly reduced the stress on the system.

During my visit of the schools, I noticed additions to support teacher adequacy which was appreciated by students and principals alike, however, it was the addition of a ‘tech fellow’ for enhancing skills in IT, STEM, coding for grades 6-8 that was greatly appreciated for giving students the opportunity to live in the 21^st century. Moreover, students are also being offered small grants for enterprise to encourage them.

In addition to these improvements, a comprehensive policy handbook has been approved for schools in order to ensure rigid policy alignment.

The aforementioned reforms have boosted confidence in G-B’s students who previously felt like nobody cared for their present and future. One student happily shared:

“We just love our school; our cousins have transferred from their private school to our school too!”

It wasn’t just the students or school staff that were elated by the reforms; I witnessed hope and joy during my conversations with parents and grandparents who feel their future generations finally have opportunities to bloom, while sharing stories of the positive changes in mindset and behaviour they have noticed in their children.

Wani’s motto for G-B’s 1.5 million population is that all children should be in school and learning, which is reflected in the increase in school enrolment in the district. This is a testimonial to what eminent educationist Anita Ghulam Ali would call a huge success marker for education becoming a public good.

For all these wonderful initiatives, Wani has a dedicated team of civil servants who are graduates of Stanford, LUMS, NUST and AKU, and all that they have achieved so far is nothing short of a marvel.

These education reforms also connect with the rise of digital learning. Students today often engage with short-form video content to explore STEM, coding, and awareness topics. Using a trusted TikTok Downloader, they can download TikTok videos in HD without watermark. With a free TikTok downloader, learners can save TikTok video MP4 or use a TikTok downloader without watermark to build a digital learning library offline—empowering equal access to resources across Gilgit-Baltistan.

Source: Tribune

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LAHORE: Participants in a consultation by civil society demanded on Tuesday that education leaders and decision makers ensure access to quality education to all children under Article-25A of the Constitution without any discrimination.

Punjab Standing Committee on Education Chairperson Aisha Nawaz Chaudhry, Punjab Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Chairperson Uzma Kardar, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Sumaira Samad, Adviser to Punjab Education Minister Aasiya Khurram Agha, School Education Department Additional Secretary, Women Development Department Secretary and members from Private Schools Association, civil society and academia attended the event.

The meeting measured progress in achieving SDG4 of Quality Education and implementing Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act, 2014.

The participants said people were reluctant to send their children to public schools as the state had failed to provide quality education and continued to only talk about it and did nothing.

They said slow implementation of Article-25A in Punjab would impact achieving SDGs 2030 and SDG4 on education, just like MDGs in 2015 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child commitments.

The meeting discussed the strategies to come up with a way forward to address the issue through multi-dimensional strategy, including the formation of a working group to influence and ensure the PFCE Act 2014.

The participants were of the view that this consultation would serve as a liaison with the School Education Department for further consultative meetings on the development of the rules of business of the PFCE act 2014. They also sought recommendations to make the rules of business of PFCE Act gender sensitized.

A presentation on the current status of the PFCE Act, 2014 with a special focus on gender disparities was also given besides the targets and indicators of SDG4.

Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1522953/access-to-education-for-all-children-stressed

Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), in collaboration with Oxfam Pakistan, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) Pakistan, on Tuesday organised a consultation session to discuss acceleration of notification and implementation of Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act 2014.

LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th Dec, 2019 ) :Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), in collaboration with Oxfam Pakistan, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) Pakistan, on Tuesday organised a consultation session to discuss acceleration of notification and implementation of Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act 2014.
Punjab Standing Committee on Education Chairperson Aisha Nawaz Chaudhry, Punjab Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Chairperson Uzma Kardar, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Sumaira Samad, Advisor to Punjab Education Minister Aasiya Khurram Agha and members from Private Schools Association, civil society and academia attended the event.

The speakers explored ways to measure progress in achieving quality education and implementing PFCE Act 2014. There were clear pledges from education leaders and decision makers to ensure that all children were able to access quality education without any discrimination.

Moderating the session, ITA CEO Baela Raza Jamil said that there was an urgency to ensure actions for legislation that can be implemented to improve actions for securing the rights promised in the Constitution of Pakistan. Moreover, it should be noted that the Punjab government was progressively working on improving the quality of facilities and learning in the province, she added.

A presentation on the current status of PFCE Act 2014 with a special focus on gender disparities was also given besides the targets and indicators of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Statistics from the Government Administrative data sets, annual status of education report (ASER) were also shared to highlight disparities among out-of-school children (OOSC) with respect to gender and wealth.

In today’s digital world, access to knowledge is not limited to classrooms. Students and teachers often rely on online tools and short-form video content for awareness. Platforms such as
TikTok Downloader help users to download TikTok videos in HD without watermark, so that educational or informative content can be saved and accessed anytime. Such tools highlight how technology can support the right to education by making information more accessible.

Source: https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/ita-holds-consultation-regarding-implementati-789696.html

A civil society organisation Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), in collaboration with Oxfam in Pakistan, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) Pakistan organised a consultation session on Tuesday, December 17, in Lahore, with stakeholders from government, civil society and education sector to discuss acceleration of notification and implementation of Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act 2014.

Punjab Standing Committee on Education Chairperson Aisha Nawaz Chaudhry, Punjab Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Chairperson Uzma Kardar, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Sumaira Samad, Advisor to Punjab Education Minister Aasiya Khurram Agha, School Education Department Additional Secretary, Women Development Department Secretary and members from Private Schools Association, civil society and academia attended the event. The meeting explored ways to measure progress in achieving SDG4 of Quality Education and implementing PFCE Act 2014. There were clear pledges from education leaders and decision makers to ensure that all children are able to access quality education under Article-25A of the Constitution of Pakistan without any discrimination and the notification of PFCE Act.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Aisha Nawaz said that we people were reluctant to send our children to government school. She said that we talk about that how parents were not aware but we don’t talk about that we had failed to provide quality education. Moderating the session, ITA CEO Baela Raza Jamil said that the essence of ITA’s inspiration lies in children’s right to education as a fundamental constitutional right. She said that currently the law lies in the cold storage with little action as it was yet to be notified. “There is an urgency to ensure actions for legislation that can be implemented to improve actions for securing the rights promised in the Constitution of Pakistan. Moreover, it must be noted that the Government of Punjab is progressively working on improving the quality of facilities and learning in the province, so why is the RTE Act 2014 not being given its due attention,” she said. Ms Baela urged that every participant of the meeting was an important influence in their own right; be it the teacher in the classroom, the head teacher in the school or the government officials influencing policy decisions. There is an urgency to take actionable pledges, she added.

A presentation on the current status of PFCE Act 2014 with a special focus on gender disparities was also given besides the targets and indicators of SDG4. Statistics from the Government Administrative data sets, MICS, Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) were also shared to highlight disparities among out-of-school children (OOSC) with respect to gender and wealth. There was overwhelming consensus by the participants of the consultation that slow implementation of Article-25A in Punjab will clearly impact achieving the SDGs 2030 and SDG4 on education, just like MDGs in 2015 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) commitments. There were calls to reverse this reality through a positive disruption needed urgently by all stakeholders in the education sector.

he meeting discussed the strategies to come up with a way forward to address the issue through multi-dimensional strategy, including the formation of a working group/Technical Advisory Committee to influence and ensure the PFCE Act 2014 notification from the cabinet and facilitate in finalisation of the rules of business of the Act. The participants of the meeting were of the view that this consultation will serve as a liaison with the School Education Department for further consultative meetings on the development of the rules of business of the PFCE act 2014. They also sought recommendations to make the rules of business of PFCE Act gender sensitised.

ITA, in collaboration with Oxfam in Pakistan, initiated the Girls Education Matters (GEM) program to promote gender justice in the country. The program is embedded in the principles of gender justice and equitable timely financing for girls’ education. These are also the international commitments of Pakistan being the signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, Convention on the Rights of the Child and part of campaigns such as UN Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI) Platform for Girls Education, Girls Learn Women Earn and Leave No Girl Behind.

Source (Daily Times): https://dailytimes.com.pk/522709/ita-holds-consultation-to-accelerate-notification-implementation-of-pfce-act/

Civil society organization Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), in collaboration with Oxfam in Pakistan, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) Pakistan organized a consultation session on Tuesday, December 17, in Lahore, with stakeholders from government, civil society and education sector to discuss acceleration of notification and implementation of Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act 2014.

Punjab Standing Committee on Education Chairperson Aisha Nawaz Chaudhry, Punjab Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Chairperson Uzma Kardar, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Sumaira Samad, Advisor to Punjab Education Minister Aasiya Khurram Agha, School Education Department Additional Secretary, Women Development Department Secretary and members from Private Schools Association, civil society and academia attended the event.

The meeting explored ways to measure progress in achieving SDG4 of Quality Education and implementing PFCE Act 2014. There were clear pledges from education leaders and decision makers to ensure that all children are able to access quality education under Article-25A of the Constitution of Pakistan without any discrimination and the notification of PFCE Act.

Addressing the meeting, Aisha Nawaz said that we people were reluctant to send our children to government school. She said that we talk about that how parents were not aware but we don’t talk about that we had failed to provide quality education.

Moderating the session, ITA CEO Baela Raza Jamil said that the essence of ITA’s inspiration lies in children’s right to education as a fundamental constitutional right. She said that currently the law lies in the cold storage with little action as it was yet to be notified. “There is an urgency to ensure actions for legislation that can be implemented to improve actions for securing the rights promised in the Constitution of Pakistan. Moreover, it must be noted that the Government of Punjab is progressively working on improving the quality of facilities and learning in the province, so why is the RTE Act 2014 not being given its due attention,” she said. Baela urged that every participant of the meeting was an important influence in their own right; be it the teacher in the classroom, the head teacher in the school or the government officials influencing policy decisions. There is an urgency to take actionable pledges, she added.

A presentation on the current status of PFCE Act 2014 with a special focus on gender disparities was also given besides the targets and indicators of SDG4. Statistics from the Government Administrative data sets, MICS, Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) were also shared to highlight disparities among out-of-school children (OOSC) with respect to gender and wealth.

While discussing children’s rights, it is also important to consider their health and nutrition. Eating habits directly affect learning outcomes, and fast-food culture plays a role in the daily lives of students. For example, many families search online for the updated
Burger King Menu, including Burger King menu with prices 2025, Burger King breakfast menu, and Burger King menu items. Understanding popular food choices such as the Burger King full menu with prices and Burger King breakfast hours helps parents and educators promote healthier decisions for children. Updated resources like the Burger King menu near me also reflect how lifestyle and nutrition connect with education and wellbeing.

Source: Business Recorder

Civil society organization Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), in collaboration with Oxfam in Pakistan, United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and Foundation Open Society Institute (FOSI) organized a consultation session on Tuesday, December 17, in Lahore, with stakeholders from government, civil society and education sector to discuss acceleration of notification and implementation of Punjab Free and Compulsory Education (PFCE) Act 2014.

Punjab Standing Committee on Education Chairperson Aisha Nawaz Chaudhry, Punjab Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Chairperson Uzma Kardar, MPA Ayesha Iqbal, Advisor to Punjab Education Minister Aasiya Khurram Agha, and members from Private Schools Association, civil society and academia attended the event.

The meeting explored ways to measure progress in achieving SDG4 of Quality Education and implementing PFCE Act 2014. There were clear pledges from education leaders and decision makers to ensure that all children are able to access quality education under Article-25A of the Constitution of Pakistan without any discrimination and the notification of PFCE Act.

Moderating the session, ITA CEO Baela Raza Jamil said that the essence of ITA’s inspiration lies in children’s Right to Education as a fundamental constitutional right. Currently the law lies in the cold storage with little action as it is yet to be notified. She stressed that there is an urgency to ensure actions for legislation that can be implemented to improve actions for securing the rights promised in the Constitution of Pakistan. Moreover, it must be noted that the Government of Punjab is progressively working on improving the quality of facilities and learning in the province, so why is the RTE Act 2014 not being given its due attention. She urged that every participant of the meeting was an important influencer in their own right; be it the teacher in the classroom, the head teacher in the school or the government officials influencing policy decisions. There is an urgency to take actionable pledges.

A presentation on the current status of PFCE Act 2014 with a special focus on gender disparities was also given besides the targets and indicators of SDG4. Statistics from the Government Administrative data sets, MICS, Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) were also shared to highlight disparities among out-of-school children (OOSC) with respect to gender and wealth.

There was overwhelming consensus by the participants of the consultation that slow implementation of Article-25A in Punjab will clearly impact achieving the SDGs 2030 and SDG4 on education, just like MDGs in 2015 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) commitments. There were calls to reverse this reality through a positive disruption needed urgently by all stakeholders in the education sector.

The meeting discussed the strategies to come up with a way forward to address the issue through multi-dimensional strategy, including the formation of a working group/Technical Advisory Committee to influence and ensure the PFCE Act 2014 notification from the cabinet and facilitate in finalization of the rules of business of the Act. The participants of the meeting were of the view that this consultation will serve as a liaison with the School Education Department for further consultative meetings on the development of the rules of business of the PFCE act 2014. They also sought recommendations to make the rules of business of PFCE Act gender sensitized.

ITA, in collaboration with Oxfam in Pakistan, initiated the Girls Education Matters (GEM) program to promote gender justice in the country. The program is embedded in the principles of gender justice and equitable timely financing for girls’ education. These are also the international commitments of Pakistan being the signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, Convention on the Rights of the Child and part of campaigns such as UN Girls Education Initiative (UNGEI) Platform for Girls Education, Girls Learn Women Earn and Leave No Girl Behind.

Source: http://news.pakngos.com.pk/ita-holds-consultation-to-accelerate-notification-and-implementation-of-pfce-act-2014/