Reviving Hope: A Tale of Triumph
Imagine a place where hope seemed like a distant dream, where education was a luxury, not a norm. This is the story of the Government Lower Secondary School in Haji Hussain, Deh Chuher, Malir, a school nestled amidst 34 villages, housing over 2052 households. What stands today as a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of students from low-income families was once merely a ghost school, lost amidst barren fields with no buildings to call its own. How did this remarkable transformation occur in just a decade, and where does AKU-IED fit into this inspiring narrative?
Unveiling the Ghost School
"When I first laid eyes on our school, it had been abandoned for a decade or more, left to decay in utter neglect," remarked Mr Abdul Waheed, the school's chairman. "Our adopt-a-school programme aimed to revive an educational institution situated in the remote locale of Deh Chuher. While many prefer to support schools in more accessible areas, AKU chose to breathe life into a school located in an almost forgotten corner of Sindh."
Ghulam Issa, Coordinator, Deh Chuher SIP Project, AKU-IED echoed this sentiment, affirming, “Transforming a ghost school to a modern school is a dream that turned into reality."
Laying a Strong Foundation
In 2014, the Rural Educational Promotion and Development Society (REPDS) undertook the task of revitalizing the school in Deh Chuhar district. With support from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and in collaboration with the Sindh Education Foundation and the Government Education and Literacy Department, REPDS embarked on a mission to establish not just a functional school, but one that set a standard for quality education.
An 11-member committee was formed to oversee every aspect of the project, from construction progress to stakeholder involvement. By 2015, the school underwent a remarkable transformation, welcoming students for academic sessions. What began modestly with 83 students from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Grade 2 expanded over the years to accommodate up to Grade 10, now boasting an enrolment of 451 students. The school, once a distant dream, now offers access to quality education to every child, regardless of their background.
Empowering through Education
The vision was made clear by AKDN and AKU-IED and that was to lay a foundation for the future. To achieve this, REPDS implemented a unique school improvement model focusing on quality learning, with quality teaching at its core. This involved various components, including physical infrastructure, eHealth facilities, and staff development. However, none of this would have been possible without the initial investment from AKU-IED.
Nurturing Educators
"We recruited teachers, provided them with training, and witnessed unwavering community support that fueled our progress," noted Dr. Sadurdin Pardhan. Today, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for teachers takes precedence, with regular training sessions and workshops conducted both onsite and through AKU-IED's support. This collaborative effort has fostered a sense of teamwork among staff, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all.
Fostering a Supportive Learning Atmosphere
Every aspect of the adopted school is meticulously administered to provide students with a conducive learning environment year-round. From dynamic morning assemblies showcasing talents to engaging classroom activities that promote interactive learning, every effort is made to foster confidence and participation among students.
The holistic approach not only focuses on academic excellence but also emphasises social and emotional development, creating a blueprint for sustainable educational growth. REPDS with the support of AKU's School of Nursing and Midwifery has established a health unit on the campus, staffed with a full-time, trained Lady Health Visitor (LHV) who works within the school, ensuring the well-being of all students.
In Conclusion
The story of the Deh Chuher school is not simply about a school's revival; it's a testament to the transformative power of education. It underscores the importance of resilience, collaboration, and unwavering dedication in overcoming even the most daunting challenges. As Mr Amin Hashwani, President, REPDS, aptly puts it, "Our interaction with students should transcend mere academics, encompassing a broader framework of holistic development. By showcasing our model, we aim to inspire sustainable change in educational institutions across the region."
The school, today, stands as a shining example, reminding us that with perseverance and collective effort, we can build a brighter future, one child at a time. Learn more
