Community-supported models for girls’ education in Pakistan

In some parts of Pakistan girls are not attending schools due to a number of context-specific issues such as security, distance to school, gender of the teacher, quality and relevance of content and teaching, extreme poverty, unsuitable school schedules, and disenfranchisement of communities and families from educational management. A number of children, especially among girls, remain out of school—missing their basic right to education and opportunities for a better future.

In my recent research paper, I have identified strategies for reaching out to marginalized populations by establishing localized and flexible education services. Providing localized solutions to context-specific issues requires flexibility and innovation beyond what is possible through the centralized public education system in Pakistan. My recommendations include the need for government and non-governmental organizations to complement each other’s efforts by creating meaningful linkages, purposeful partnerships, and a shared vision for reaching each and every child across the country.

For more details on the possibilities for promoting girls’ education through community-supported, flexible, and localized education services, you can read the paper here.