Child Education Initiatives

Overview

Bunyad Foundation has been a cornerstone in advancing child education across Pakistan, particularly focusing on marginalized and underserved communities. With a multifaceted approach encompassing formal and non-formal education, vocational training, and community engagement, Bunyad has positively impacted the lives of countless children, ensuring access to quality education and a brighter future.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development, Bunyad has established over 9,397 ECCE classrooms across 11 districts in Punjab. These classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate furniture, learning kits, and thematic learning corners to foster a conducive learning environment for children aged 3 to 5 years.

• Provision of ECCE kits and age-appropriate furniture.
• Training of 20,000 teachers and caregivers in ECCE pedagogy.
• Development of ECCE curriculum and learning materials.
• Implementation of a live student tracking system to monitor transitions from ECCE to primary education.

Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE)

To address the educational needs of out-of-school children, Bunyad has established 5,526 Non-Formal Education centers across 1,800 villages in 22 districts. These centers have provided education to approximately 353,999 beneficiaries, with a significant emphasis on female education.

• Focus on literacy and numeracy skills for children aged 5 to 15.
• Integration of life skills and vocational training.
• Community involvement in the establishment and management of centers.

Combating Child Labor through Education

Bunyad has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at eradicating child labor by integrating affected children into educational programs. Through various projects, the foundation has rescued thousands of children from labor and provided them with educational opportunities.

• Establishment of 10,815 informal education centers between 1995 and 2013.
• Enrollment of 417,756 children, with 79% achieving basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Provision of essential resources such as food, stationery, books, and sports equipment.

Mobile-Based Post Literacy Programme

To sustain literacy skills among newly literate individuals, especially women, Bunyad implemented a mobile-based post-literacy program. This innovative approach utilizes mobile technology to deliver educational content and reinforce learning.

• Distribution of mobile phones equipped with educational content.
• Delivery of SMS-based lessons covering various topics.
• Integration of interactive learning through mobile applications.

Vocational Training and Skill Development

Understanding the importance of equipping youth with employable skills, Bunyad has established vocational training centers offering courses in tailoring, embroidery, computer literacy, and more. These programs aim to empower individuals economically and socially.

• Establishment of the Khurshid-Zaman School of Vocational Training & Skills Development for Girls.
• Training programs tailored to market demands and community needs.
• Focus on women’s empowerment through skill acquisition.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

Bunyad places significant emphasis on community involvement in educational initiatives. Through the formation of school councils and community committees, the foundation ensures local ownership and sustainability of programs.

• Training of 9,000 school councils in procurement and management.
• Conducting 2,979 training sessions covering various themes including literacy, child protection, and health.
• Mobilization of community resources and volunteers to support educational activities.

Achievements and Impact

Bunyad’s comprehensive approach to child education has yielded remarkable results:

• Educated and empowered over 2.6 million individuals, predominantly women and children.
• Improved enrollment, retention, and academic performance in 835 schools across remote regions.
• Recognition by UNICEF with the Best Coordination & Implementation Award for efforts in eradicating illiteracy.

Future Directions

Building on its successes, Bunyad aims to expand its educational initiatives by:

• Scaling up ECCE programs to additional districts.
• Integrating digital technologies into teaching and learning processes.
• Strengthening partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance resource mobilization.

Through unwavering commitment and innovative strategies, Bunyad continues to transform the educational landscape of Pakistan, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.