Adopt- A- School program
Revolutionizing Education
location: Pakistan
This case study examines the implementation and impact of the Adopt-A-School Program in Pakistan, which aimed to address the historic lack of focus on building capacity in public education. By leveraging alternative sources of capital and resources, the program sought to improve the condition of dilapidated schools in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. Spearheaded by CARE Foundation, Pakistan's largest educational nonprofit, the program facilitated partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and government-run schools to undertake educational improvements for children.
Background
Historically, Pakistan faced challenges in providing quality education due to a lack of investment in public schools. Recognizing the need for change, the adopt-a-school model was introduced in the mid-1990s as a means to mobilize additional resources and expertise. Its implementation began in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, where numerous schools required significant improvements to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.
Implementation
The CARE Foundation, established by Seema Aziz, the founder and managing director of Sefam Group of Companies, took a leading role in implementing the adopt-a-school model in Punjab. The foundation aimed to transform government-run schools by providing trained staff, essential facilities, and, most importantly, integrating the CARE education system. This comprehensive approach to school improvement encompassed various aspects of education, enabling a holistic transformation of the adopted schools.
Outcomes
The adoption of the CARE education system and the provision of necessary resources led to significant improvements in academic quality and student enrollment. From its modest beginnings with 10 schools in 1998, the CARE Foundation now manages 888 schools across Pakistan, serving more than 300,000 students in public schools. The success of the Adopt-A-School Program highlights the potential of public-private partnerships and civil society engagement in addressing educational challenges and improving the educational landscape in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The Adopt-A-School Program in Pakistan, spearheaded by the CARE Foundation, has emerged as a successful model for addressing the historical neglect of public education. By mobilizing the private sector and civil society, the program has transformed dilapidated schools, provided trained staff, and integrated the CARE education system, resulting in improved academic quality and increased student enrollment.
The program's achievements underscore the importance of collaborative efforts and alternative sources of capital and resources in revitalizing public education systems. Further information about the program can be found at the CARE Pakistan website (https://carepakistan.org/) and the Sefam Foundation website (https://www.sef.org.pk/sef-adopt-a-school-program/).