(Staff Report):-
BRI’s spirit and “knowledge diplomacy” are making strides in Gwadar, a remote fishing town in Pakistan, as provision of quality and free of cost “Girls Education” for poor community is going on successfully in China-Pakistan Government middle school Faqeer colony Gwadar over the last seven years with fervency.
In the school, around 550 girls students are studying. Recently-established Digital Lab with 30 new computers in collaboration with Chinese company “Zong” are fully functional in the school offering computer literacy among the girls students.
China-Pakistan Government middle school Faqeer Colony is a stepping stone in fostering upscale and result-oriented educational initiative in Gwadar with the assistance of China Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD).
Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age, 30 million of lower-secondary school age, and 67 million of upper-secondary school age, says UN report 2022. In Gwadar, China-Pakistan government Middle School Faqeer colony has risen as illustrious promoter of girls education that meets UN global goals and BRI’s spirit.
“My journey of study from fifth class to 8th in the China-Pakistan government middle school Faqeer colony has been empowering me to do something substantial for my hometown “Gwadar” as well as my country,” Faiza, 8th class student of China-Pakistan government middle school Faqeer colony told.
“Being hailing from marginalized community, my parents had never afforded my studies in top quality schools. But China-Pakistan government Middle School Faqeer Colony that is one of best schools in Gwadar made things happen for me. I wish that school may be upgraded to 10th class to allow me to continue my studies further,” she went on saying.
Educationist Tahir Manzoor said that investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries and the entire world. “Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including girls– the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
China-Pakistan Government Middle School Faqeer Colony Headmistress Parveen Nawaz lauded Chinese philanthropy in introducing girls education for impoverished people of Gwadar. “Although it is a public school but it has surpassed from other private schools in terms of qualitative facilities and educational standards. Even education in private schools in Gwadar is expensive but in China-Pakistan Government Middle School Faqeer Colony, education is free,” she said and added that with airy rooms, comfortable ambience, discipline and teachers’ devotion, school is producing good results.
Ms Maria who is teaching in school and recently secured admission in Ph.D Chemistry in China revealed that China contribution in school development has helped bridged the gap between China and local people. Gwadar people had wished for best education and China fulfilled the wish, she said.
Zahid Baloch local social worker in education field said that it is good start to win the hearts of people amid a deliberated malice and malign campaign run by doomsayers to toxify the minds of people of Gwadar against China.
China-Pakistan Government Middle School Faqeer Colony teacher Mr Naseem said that China has sown the seed of high-class girls education through the platform of this school. “Our school creates a culture of pride and success. It creates a mindset that allows for innovation and experimentation. It has a powerful effect on girls and their learning,” he mentioned.
School was constructed by China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) with Chinese assistance around Rs 100 million. Meanwhile, the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) donated books, uniforms and also built the library in the school.
COPHC new chairman Yu Bo who is now chairman of committee vowed to continue exerting effort to make China-Pakistan Government Middle School Faqeer Colony school into a model school.
Covering an area of 1,600 square meters, China-Pakistan Government Middle School Faqeer Colony is equipped with two teaching buildings and supporting facilities. On 1 September, 2016, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, visited Gwadar, and inaugurated the school with then Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong. This was the second early harvest project completed under CPEC.
