Quality Schools for 25,000 of Pakistan's Poor

The computer lab at the DIL Ranjali School is enhancing the capacity of the students with the modern methods of teaching and “learning by doing”.

Through its newlly-established internet connection, the school computer lab enables students to learn more about the world outside their villages. The computer lab is also facilitating the teachers’ Mobile Learning project, whereby they use the facility to download video lessons.

Students are also encouraged to make presentations on topics in core subjects and use Wikipedia to search for information. 

The DIL project management team continues to  observe the school performance and provide guidance where needed. During the visit following areas have been covered:

• School management and administration 

• Teacher lesson plans and delivery 

• Student learning and participation in classroom activities 

Future plans for the rest of the year include improving classroom displays and improving the school discipline in terms of attendance and time management. 

Even with a quality school in the village itself, changing mindsets towards education is an on-going challenge. Recently, two sisters from a village near by the school came to sell eggs and on investigating the situation, the Principal was told that they had to discontinue education due to family poverty and, having no brothers, they were charged with looking after the livestock. Their parents forced them to leave the school. Their father was in Karachi in search of work. When the parents were contacted, they did not have a positive attitude towards schooling and education.

The Principal with the help of teachers and members of community were able to convey the importance of an education. She secured the help of a family relative and managed to retain both children in school.