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Home > About Us > Latest News > Pakistan: World Vision Leads Way to Help Form New National Education Policy

Pakistan: World Vision Leads Way to Help Form New National Education Policy

January 29, 2007

By Ali Moussadiq - Pakistan Communications

Zakia Bibi, a fourth grade student from northern Pakistan, fractured her knee in the 2005 earthquake that rocked northern Pakistan. One of the key recommendations World Vision and other NGOs made at a recent national roundtable to inform the country's new National Education Policy, is that Pakistan must improve learning opportunities for girls if it is to adapt to the nation’s changing needs.

At Pakistan's first education policy roundtable — which World Vision organized — 12 local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) recently gave strategic input that will be included in the final draft of the country's new National Education Policy.

World Vision in Pakistan's education specialists will submit the white paper to the Pakistani government, which includes the recommendation that Pakistan must improve learning opportunities for girls if it is to adapt to the nation’s changing needs.

"This white paper is a critical step toward a modern legal framework," said World Vision Technical Manager Abdul Rab. The white paper addresses other concerns as well.

"Our recommendations bring attention to the education needs in remote areas of the country. Consultations held in big cities cannot address our specific problems."

Ongoing Education During Crises

One of the major concerns shared by representatives from the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), which was devastated by an October 2005 earthquake, related to ongoing education for children during times of disaster.

"For the first time, the roundtable discussions took this topic into consideration. It is important to envision scenarios that would allow children to continue their instruction, even if another disaster hits," Rab explained.

Participants emphasized the need for special training for staff and adolescents about emergency preparedness, alongside the introduction of disaster management exercises in national curricula.

Increasing Educational Resources

One NGO panel recommendation targeted the introduction of early childhood education. In the absence of public preschool facilities, less than five per cent of the NWFP population can currently afford to send their children to private preschool institutions.

"We also recognize the importance of building teachers’ capacity," Rab emphasized. "The new education policy should introduce a child-friendly approach and teaching techniques, and provision of psycho-social support by the teachers."

The NGOs also recommended the increase of overall allocation for the education sector — from four percent to six percent of the gross national product.

Pakistani government representatives present at the roundtable seemed to especially appreciate stakeholders’ input from quake-affected areas.

"The inclusion of NGOs’ recommendations in the final draft of the education policy will be a great achievement," said Nasim Ejaz Khattak, general manager of the National Commission for Human Development.

>> Read how World Vision is supporting Pakistani children's education in the quake-devastated North-West Frontier Province.
>> Read more about South Asia's devastating earthquake in October 2005.
>> View a slideshow to see how World Vision's Child-Friendly Spaces helped to meet the desperate needs of children following the Pakistan quake.

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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

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Read how World Vision is supporting Pakistani children's education in the quake-devastated North-West Frontier Province.
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Read more about South Asia's devastating earthquake in October 2005.
- -
View a slideshow to see how World Vision's Child-Friendly Spaces helped to meet the desperate needs of children following the Pakistan quake.

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