Education Ministry Launches Survey to Identify Out-of-School Children in Islamabad

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has announced the commencement of comprehensive household surveys across all union councils in Islamabad, aiming to identify children who are currently out of school. The initiative seeks to ensure that every child in the capital is given access to either formal or non-formal education opportunities.

The official launch of the “No child left behind” campaign took place on Tuesday at IMCB Jaba Tali. The event was attended by Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who served as the chief guest, along with senior ministry officials, representatives from partner organisations, development partners including JICA, and various community stakeholders.

During the ceremony, the ministry outlined its strategy of employing a union council-wise carpet coverage model. This approach is designed to systematically cover all areas within Islamabad, ensuring that no child is overlooked in the effort to achieve universal access to education.

As part of the campaign, schoolbags were distributed to learners enrolled in non-formal education centres. The distribution aims to support and encourage children who are being brought into the education system through non-traditional means.

Speaking at the event, Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional right to education for every child. He emphasized the importance of inclusive education and the need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, partner organisations, and the community to address the issue of out-of-school children.

The ministry’s initiative is expected to provide valuable data on the number and location of out-of-school children in Islamabad. This information will be used to develop targeted interventions and ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive an education, whether through formal schools or non-formal education centres.

The campaign’s launch marks a significant step towards addressing educational disparities in the capital, with stakeholders expressing hope that the union council-wise survey will pave the way for more effective policies and outreach efforts in the future.