Education

Establishment of Boys School in Chinari, Muzaffarabad

MAK undertook the reconstruction of a prefabricated building for the Government Boys High School in Chinari, District Muzaffarabad. The project included the construction of classrooms, fully equipped science and computer labs, administrative offices, a security room, art and sports facilities, and a storage area. The total funds allocated by MAK for this project amounted to approximately Rs 31.36 million. Upon completion, the building was officially handed over to the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 2009.

Construction of School & Houses in Rahim Yar Khan District

Following the 2010 floods, MAK Trust constructed two primary schools and 25 houses as part of a Rs 20.34 million initiative overseen by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. The buildings were part of recovery efforts in Rahim Yar Khan and were subsequently entrusted to the Works & Services Department.

Reconstruction of Schools in Nowshera District

Another initiative in response to the 2010 flooding was the reconstruction of three schools in Nowshera District. MAK incurred Rs 4.5 million in the reconstruction effort carried out in collaboration with the Army Headquarters 11 Corps, ensuring that the schools provide a safe learning environment for students.

Setup of Computer Labs

After the 2014 floods, the MAK Welfare Trust, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), set up 21 computer labs valued at Rs 32.01 million. The labs were constructed in girls’ and boys’ middle and high schools across flood-affected areas in Sialkot, Muzaffargarh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), and Malakand.

Public School Support Programme (PSSP)

MAK Welfare Trust donated Rs 38.9 million towards the Public School Support Programme (PSSP). This project, operational from 2017 to March 2024 and managed by Premier Diverse Learning Concepts (PDLC) in collaboration with the Punjab Education Initiative Management Authority (PEIMA), focused on 48 low-performing public schools in District Gujranwala.

The funds provided by MAK were utilised for constructing 52 new classrooms and repairing 20 existing ones, ensuring students learned in safe and conducive environments. While MAK’s involvement was primarily financial, this contribution played a crucial role in upgrading educational facilities and supporting community development.

At the heart of this initiative was the commitment to not only provide quality education but also increase enrolment among out-of-school children, particularly emphasising the reduction of the dropout ratio with special attention to girl students. Another integral component of the programme was the execution of regular and comprehensive training programmes aimed at expanding the knowledge and teaching techniques of the staff, thereby ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. Other activities included routine operations and administration.

The impact of the initiative has been profound and far-reaching. Over 12,000 children have benefited from the enhanced educational opportunities, while 370 individuals have been provided with job opportunities. Remarkably, student enrollment increased from 3,200 to approximately 11,800 within four years. This period of growth included the enrolment of almost 3,000 new students during the challenging times of Covid-19 for the academic year 2020 – 2021. The initiative saw the recruitment of close to 450 qualified teachers and support staff, 50 teacher training sessions, and the annual training of 370 head teachers and teachers in four years.

The project’s achievements are also reflected in its academic outcomes, with a 100% Quality Assurance Test (QAT) score for 2018 and 98% for 2019 – 2020, alongside Punjab Examination Commission results from 2017 to 2019 consistently above 95%. Through the Public School Support Programme, Beaconhouse, with the vital support of MAK Trust, has laid a strong foundation for sustainable educational progress in the Gujranwala district.