SWABI: United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and Hashoo Foundation in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Department (E&SED) inaugurated the Early Childhood Education (ECE) classrooms both for girls and boys here the other day.

Overall 500 ECE classrooms across 23 districts of the province will be set up under the programme.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the initiative, Abdul Waheed, acting country director of Hashoo Foundation, expressed his heartfelt satisfaction at witnessing the inception of the ECE project, a promise of a brighter future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s children.

The Unicef education specialist reiterated their unwavering commitment to supporting partners like Hashoo Foundation, highlighting the profound impact of establishing 500 ECE schools on children’s lives across KP.

The secretary E&SED lauded the tireless efforts of Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Unicef and Hashoo Foundation launching the initiative, reaffirming his department’s strong commitment to provide full support to the project.

This initiative is made possible through funding from the GPE and Education Cannot Wait (ECW).

Aligned with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Sector Plan 2020-2025, the E&SED underscores the critical role of ECE in a child’s development and learning, making it a top priority for the region. To actualise this commitment, the existing 13,000 classrooms in primary schools will be converted into modern ECE centres.

Overall, 500 ECE centres will be established by Hashoo Foundation in collaboration with E&SED in 23 districts of KP.

GPE and ECW will support 1,600 and 100 centres, respectively, benefitting over 96,000 children. Unicef and E&SED partnership focuses on multiple areas, including access, equity, inclusion, quality, governance and management of education.

The primary objective of this endeavour is to create a nurturing environment for early childhood education and expand educational opportunities, especially in under-served communities, with a strong emphasis on advancing female education.

Hashoo Foundation, with a rich history of promoting education, has reached 550,278 children since launching the Hashoo schools initiative in 2002. Notably, the Child Education Support Programme (CESP), benefitting 25,500 girls and 24,500 boys, and the 2022 Quality Education Programme exemplify the foundation’s dedication to enhancing the educational landscape.

DROWNS: A 14-year-old Afghan youth, identified as Saifullah, drowned in Pehur High Level Canal here the other day while bathing.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2023