26 million children out of school: SOS Foundation Pakistan calls for education emergency in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (SABAH): On the heels of International Day of Education, the SOS Foundation Pakistan issued an urgent plea for an education emergency to address the staggering reality of 26.2 million children currently out of school in the country. This figure represents a shocking 39% of all school-aged children and poses a critical threat to Pakistan’s future.
“Education is the backbone of socio-economic development,” declared Nishat Fatima, Director of SOS Foundation Pakistan, at a recent event at National Library of Pakistan. “With 26.2 million children left behind, we are facing a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action.”
Nishat Fatima emphasized the urgency of an education emergency, calling for a multifaceted approach that engages communities and bolsters support for out-of-school children. This includes: Mobilizing resources: Significantly increasing government and international funding for education initiatives, particularly those targeting marginalized communities. Promoting community engagement: Empowering local communities to play an active role in identifying and addressing the educational needs of their children. Improving access: Expanding access to quality education in rural areas and for vulnerable populations, including girls and children with disabilities. Enhancing quality: Investing in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvements to ensure a quality education for all children.
The SOS Foundation has been working tirelessly over the years to provide education and other essential services to vulnerable children in Pakistan. Through its network of schools and childcare facilities, SOS has helped countless children access the education they deserve. However, the scale of the current crisis necessitates a collective effort from all stakeholders.
“An education emergency is not just a slogan,” Nishat Fatima stated. “It is a call to action. We must come together as a nation and a global community to ensure that every child in Pakistan has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”
The SOS Children’s Foundation urges the government of Pakistan, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to join hands and declare an education emergency. By working together, we can break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for all children in Pakistan.