In a landmark step towards inclusive education, the Sindh government has signed an agreement to establish 500 non-formal education centers under a public-private partnership model.
The initiative, spearheaded by Sindh’s Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, aims to provide 15,000 out-of-school children from underprivileged areas access to primary education within 30 months.
The signing ceremony took place in Karachi and was attended by senior government officials and representatives from partner organizations. Secretary of School Education and Literacy Department, Zahid Ali Abbasi, graced the event as chief guest. Other key attendees included Dr. Fauzia Khan (Chief Executive Advisor of the Curriculum Wing and Additional Secretary), Rasool Bux Shah (Executive Director, STEDA), Abdul Jabbar Mari (Director, Literacy and Non-Formal Education Sindh), Mola Bux Shaikh (Director General, Monitoring and Evaluation), and Abid Gul (Deputy Chief Advisor, JICA).
Addressing the gathering, Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi announced that the centers would be launched in five districts with the lowest literacy rates-Jacobabad, Kashmore, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, and Umerkot-as part of the first phase. He proudly noted that Sindh is the first province in Pakistan to develop a formal curriculum for non-formal education, ensuring quality and consistency in learning.
The Secretary also emphasized the importance of girls’ participation, urging partner organizations to make it a priority.
Abdul Jabbar Mari, Director of Literacy and Non-Formal Education Sindh, explained that the project falls under the Accelerated Learning Program, allowing children to complete primary-level education in just 30 months. Upon completion, students will be supported in enrolling into elementary school (Class 6) to ensure continued learning. The program offers completely free education, covering all materials and resources.
Implementation will be managed through NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to promote transparency, skill development, and efficient service delivery.
At the ceremony, the Directorate of Literacy and Non-Formal Education signed formal agreements with 10 partner organizations, all of whom pledged full cooperation to ensure the success of this vital initiative.