The Sindh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has initiated a groundbreaking educational project aimed at addressing the significant issue of out-of-school children. This initiative involves the establishment of 300 digital “micro-schools” across the province, with the ambitious goal of enrolling 300,000 children who are currently not attending school. The project also focuses on empowering women by creating job opportunities for over 600 female learning facilitators. To ensure the successful implementation of this project, the Chief Minister has approved a budget of Rs800 million.
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SEF Board Meeting: Key Decisions and Attendees
This significant decision was made during a meeting of the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) Board. The meeting saw the participation of several high-profile officials, including Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and other key figures such as the Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah, School Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, and Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi. The SEF Managing Director Kazi Kabir, along with board members like Qaisar Bengali and Dr. Mohammad Memon, also played crucial roles in the discussions.
The focus of the meeting was on how to effectively address the educational challenges in Sindh, particularly the issue of out-of-school children. The decision to establish digital micro-schools was seen as a modern solution to this longstanding problem. These schools will leverage technology to provide quality education to children in remote and underprivileged areas, making education more accessible and inclusive.
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The Micro-Schooling and Digital Learning Concept
Micro-schooling is a new concept that modernizes traditional small-scale schools by incorporating digital tools like smartphones and tablets into the learning process. This approach is particularly beneficial for children in rural and underserved areas, where access to traditional schools is limited. The Chief Minister also emphasized the expansion of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme (ADLP), which was initially launched in collaboration with the Teach the World Foundation.
The first phase of the ADLP, which began in 2023, had a budget of Rs710 million and successfully supported 12,500 learners. Building on this success, the Chief Minister has now directed the SEF to scale up the program to reach 300,000 children by 2025. This will be achieved through the creation of 300 micro-schools and the employment of 600 female facilitators, who will play a critical role in guiding and supporting the students.
Financial Allocation and the Current Educational Landscape
- The Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) currently manages the education of one million students.
- These students are enrolled across 2,734 schools, which include public schools, learning centers, and micro-schools.
- During a recent meeting, the SEF Managing Director informed the Chief Minister that the cost per student in the next phase of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme (ADLP) would be Rs2,200.
- A budget of Rs800 million has been approved to support the smooth and effective implementation of this program.
- SEF is committed to providing scholarships, with 4,452 students currently receiving financial support.
- Additionally, 804 students who received scholarships have already graduated, reflecting SEF’s dedication to supporting students throughout their educational journey.
Review the Budget
Looking ahead, the Sindh government has ambitious plans to further expand educational opportunities across the province. The SEF is planning to launch 1,000 digital classrooms by 2025-26 and introduce skill development programs to equip graduates with employable skills. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize education in Sindh and prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
However, the meeting also highlighted some budgetary challenges. The Education Minister noted that the SEF currently spends Rs16,000 per student per month, and with an annual budget of Rs15,955 million, the foundation is struggling to meet the increasing demand for educational services. In response, the Chief Minister instructed the Finance Secretary to review the budget and explore ways to address the shortfall.
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SEF Financial Audit and Endowment Fund
To ensure transparency and accountability, an independent third-party audit of the SEF’s accounts for the fiscal years 2021-22 to 2023-24 has been initiated. This audit is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that funds are used effectively. The SEF Managing Director also provided an update on the SEF Endowment Fund, which currently stands at Rs4,068.893 million. So far, Rs1,218.893 million has been generated, with an additional profit of Rs 52.256 million earned from the invested gratuity fund.
These financial updates highlight the SEF’s commitment to maintaining a strong financial foundation, which is essential for the sustainability of its educational programs. The endowment fund serves as a critical resource for funding ongoing and future initiatives aimed at improving education in Sindh.
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Conclusion
The Sindh government’s initiative to establish 300 digital micro-schools marks a significant step forward in addressing the educational challenges in the province. By enrolling 300,000 out-of-school children and creating job opportunities for women, this project not only aims to improve education but also to empower communities. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, adequate funding, and continued support from all stakeholders. As Sindh moves forward with these ambitious plans, the focus will be on ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or location.