PESHAWAR, Mar 30 (APP):The Participatory Rural Development Society (PRDS) organized two advocacy and communication events in Buner and Shangla districts to promote girls’ education and inclusion of marginalized children under the FCDO-funded ILMpact Programme, implemented with technical support from the British Council. The events aimed to bring out-of-school children into the formal education system, ensure enrollment and retention of girls, and promote inclusive learning opportunities for children with disabilities and …
PRDS holds advocacy events in Buner, Shangla to boost girls’ education, enrollment
PESHAWAR, Mar 30 (APP):The Participatory Rural Development Society (PRDS) organized two advocacy and communication events in Buner and Shangla districts to promote girls’ education and inclusion of marginalized children under the FCDO-funded ILMpact Programme, implemented with technical support from the British Council.
The events aimed to bring out-of-school children into the formal education system, ensure enrollment and retention of girls, and promote inclusive learning opportunities for children with disabilities and minority communities, while strengthening community engagement in education.
A large number of stakeholders attended the events, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Buner Qaisar Khan Kundi, DEO (Female) Buner Tahira Jabeen, officials from Shangla district administration, education officers, programme representatives, school heads, parents, community leaders and volunteers. Participants pledged to actively contribute to promoting education and safeguarding children.
Speakers highlighted key challenges faced by the education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including shortage of trained teachers, lack of quality learning resources, gender disparities and access issues.
They stressed that coordinated efforts by communities, parents, teachers and religious scholars could help overcome these barriers.
Officials shared district-wise enrollment targets, stating that Buner has been assigned a target of enrolling 28,469 children, including 18,292 boys and 10,177 girls, while Shangla’s target stands at 32,560 children, including 22,900 boys and 9,660 girls. District administrations assured full support to achieve these targets.
Programme representatives briefed participants on the ILMpact initiative, which is currently operational in 15 districts across Pakistan, including eight in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and seven in Punjab, focusing on improving access to quality education in public schools.
The enrollment campaign was formally launched during the events, where school bags and gifts were distributed among newly enrolled children.
Shields and special awards were also presented to high-performing female teachers, Parent-Teacher Council members and local volunteers.
At the conclusion, participants signed a joint pledge reaffirming their commitment to promoting education and ensuring child protection through practical measures.
