Institutions of change

There are a multitude of challenges facing Pakistan when it comes to provision of quality and affordable education to the masses. Private institutions have often been criticised for charging exorbitant fees as premium for the so-called "quality" that they provide. Government-run schools are handicapped by lack of resources, outdated curriculum and the general state of mis-governance that has become a trademark for almost every other government run endeavour.

In these times, a glimmer of hope and a vision for what an educational system could achieve can be seen in the progress of the Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust. Under the patronage of Raza Kazim, a name that needs no introduction, Sanjan Nagar School has been providing world class education to families from the under-privileged strata of society for over two decades now.

It has been acting as an institution for positive change in the lives of people that in certain cases can barely afford quality food let alone quality education. The Sanjan Nagar School was set up in the Kot Lakhpat, industrial area on Ferozepur Road, Lahore in 1995 and shifted to its purpose built facility at Glaxo Town in 2002.

Interestingly, the school has adopted the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for primary years since 2012 (playgroup to grade 5) and is in candidacy phase for the middle year program. The IB program is known for its broad curriculum and interactive based format which encourages much needed critical thinking in our society.

Even though the cost of providing an IB program is high, Sanjan Nagar has managed to provide it at extremely subsidized rates with the average fee in the range from Rs1000-1500. In addition, almost 40 percent of the total 915 children have been granted full scholarships. Commendably, admissions are granted without bias or discrimination based on religion, caste or creed.

It is indeed encouraging to see such institutions, though donor funded, yet still outperforming the majority of private and public run institutions. The management of these institutions certainly can take a leaf out of Sanjan Nagar's book. Indeed, it is necessary that model school systems such as Sanjan Nagar should be promoted by the state. More such school initiatives that bring about positive impact for the underprivileged class should be set up by privileged individuals to fill the void in the education sector of Pakistan.