Barriers to Girls' Education in Pakistan
HOPE For the Future
HOPE's 200 Informal (Home)
Schools in Pakistan:
165 Home Schools in Urban Karachi, rural Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar
Our Accomplishments >
HOPE has a flourishing network of home schools in downtrodden communities in the outskirts of Karachi. There are 145 home schools total: 30 in urban Karachi, 35 in rural Karachi, and 45 in Badin, Thatta, and Sanghar. A total of 6,570 students are enrolled in these home schools, 80 percent of whom are girls.
Home schools take place within the homes of community females. The teachers are given a salary through HOPE and are provided with teaching supplies (blackboard, books, stationary) free of charge. Students traditionally sit on the floor on a large mat, but if space and costs permit, chairs and desks are provided as well. Classes are held until fifth grade, and in many cases until high school.
HOPE’s home schools are an excellent option for these impoverished areas because they are a low-cost method which uses the resources already available within a community. More importantly, they are giving girls who have historically been left behind an opportunity to learn.
35 Home Schools in Azad Kashmir
Our Accomplishments >
HOPE has 35 registered home schools which cater to a remote population living in the mountainous area of Azad Kashmir. Presently, HOPE’s home schools are the only functioning schools in this area which is approximately three hours from the capital city of Muzaffarabad. Currently, 1810 students are enrolled, 80 percent of whom are girls. Classes are offered until eight grade, and in some areas until high school.
Home schooling is a highly effective method of education which has not reached its potential in Pakistan’s rural and remote regions. In the winter, many areas in Azad Kashmir are cut off to transportation due to treacherous roads. Constructing physical school buildings is impractical in these areas. Furthermore, many girls are adversely affected by sociocultural barriers to education as compared to urban areas. Home schooling is a flexible and cost-effective solution which addresses all of these issues.
