Pakistan’s longstanding education challenge received renewed attention as Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah disclosed that nearly 22.6 million children across the country remain out of school, with approximately seven million belonging to Sindh. He shared these numbers during the launch event of the second phase of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme, a Sindh Education Foundation initiative designed to expand digital and technology-supported learning opportunities for children excluded from mainstream schooling. His remarks highlighted the magnitude of the issue, noting that the number of out-of-school children surpasses the population of several nations. He emphasized that ignoring the situation would have lasting consequences for the country’s social and economic progress and that digital learning offers a practical pathway to reach underserved communities.
The second phase of this programme marks a continuation of the pilot that began in June 2023 in partnership with Teach the World Foundation. According to officials, the initial phase demonstrated that a structured, technology-driven learning model can engage children who have limited or no access to formal education. Building on that experience, the expanded phase intends to scale digitally delivered lessons to more locations across Sindh. The programme focuses on improving basic literacy and numeracy through interactive digital tools and structured learning pathways tailored to the needs of marginalized students. CM Shah noted that the success of the first phase illustrated the effectiveness of adopting teaching methods supported by technology, particularly in areas where traditional schooling remains inaccessible.
During the launch, CM Shah underlined Pakistan’s economic position in South Asia, stating that the country stands as the fourth largest economy in the region and holds the fourth position in literacy ranking. Despite this, he said the nation continues to face a critical education gap that demands urgent attention. He reiterated that the future workforce depends on today’s students and that embracing modern solutions is essential to bridge learning disparities. His comments stressed that addressing the educational divide is not merely a development priority but a national responsibility that requires consistent investment, collaboration and scalability.
Officials from Sindh Education Foundation added that the digital learning initiative is structured to adapt to the realities of remote communities where teaching resources are scarce. The programme’s second phase is expected to integrate additional learning modules, improved student monitoring features and increased support for field facilitators. SEF representatives noted that the aim is to create a sustainable system that blends technology with community-led education models. They also mentioned that partnerships with organizations such as Teach the World Foundation strengthen the capacity to deliver meaningful educational experiences to children who have been historically left behind.
In his closing remarks at the event, CM Shah called for collective commitment to ensure that every child has access to learning opportunities. He said that technology-driven education is no longer optional and that initiatives like ADLP demonstrate how digital tools can help overcome longstanding barriers. He urged stakeholders to recognize the urgency of the situation and support the scaling of programmes that can create measurable improvements in literacy and inclusion across Sindh.
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