Humqadam provided optimal educational
environment to a school that stood
for more than two generations in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
20th March 2018
Written by: Syed Abdullah Hameed - Humqadam/Islamabad
Photos credits: Syed Abdullah Hameed - Humqadam/Islamabad
Mian Khan with students of GPS Dheri Zardar No. 2
Government Primary School (GPS) Dheri Zardar No. 2 is located on the edge of District Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Since establishment, the school has a special place within the community as this is the only primary school in the area catering for the needs of young girls and boys.
The school is a success as a result of endless efforts of Mr. Mian Khan who migrated from Mohmand Agency back in 1950. Three quarters of village’s population is comprised of Mian’s Family. For over four decades, his family members faced immense issues in acquiring education from a school located at an adjacent district. Being a landlord and head of the tribe, he provided land to build school for the children in the community and future generations. With the support of government and KP education department a school was constructed in 1996 with two classrooms and two toilets. The two classrooms provided inadequate space to the rising enrolment and growing educational needs of the community. Multi-grade teaching and bleak condition of the building stood amongst the major issue and the classes were held out in the open.
New building of GPS Dheri Zardar No. 2
Humqadam-SCRP adopted the school in November 2015 and in just eight months constructed an additional classroom at the same time rehabilitating the existing school infrastructure. The school building was also made accessible to differently abled children with provision of a ramp.
“When I migrated to Dheri Zardar, there was no school. Though I never went to school but my only dream was to see my next generation literate. I am so happy that all my grandchildren are currently studying in GPS Dheri Zardar”, said Mr. Mian Khan, Head of the tribe.
Humqadam-SCRP, with improved school’s building, has provided a new ray of hope within the local community. Former students of GPS Dheri Zardar are now sending their children to this school.
“There was no electricity and water facility back in 1996. The provision of quality infrastructure and basic facilities has enhanced overall school environment. Having two children enrolled already, I can’t wait to send my youngest son to the same school which I attended”, remarked Muhammad Saeed, (CCSI Member, nephew of Mian Khan).
With the support of DFID and Australian Government, Humqadam-SCRP has joined hands with the Government of KP in building additional classrooms and rehabilitating the existing school infrastructure in KP province. As of March 2018, in district Charsadda 73 schools have been completed and handed over to the school management while in 30 schools Humqadam-SCRP is currently active to improve the quality and standards of infrastructure.