Making Change
MAKING CHANGE , TOGETHER
Working hand in hand with our local partner and community leaders , CAI has increased investment in early childhood education in Pakistan through the establishment of new centers , training and hiring new teachers , and finding creative ways to keep families and parents engaged .
Throughout 2023 , Central Asia Institute has expanded our early childhood education footprint through the addition of 10 new centers , bringing the total to 26 preschools that serve 641 children . Fifty-seven teachers have been trained in child development , kindergarten readiness , and Montessori methods , providing an important complement to their formal training . But the investment does not stop with the school .
To provide comprehensive and thoughtful support to the children and their families , “ Mothers ’ Forums ” have been established at 32 schools . In a cultural context where women are often discouraged from seeking leadership positions , these forums provide an empowering space for women to become true advocates for their children . In the words of our local partner , the Moawin Foundation , the forums are “ powerful platforms for empowering mothers and nurturing a culture of active participation in their children ’ s education journey .”
More and more women and girls are standing up for their rights and paving the way for gender equity and education in their region .
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
In a place like Gilgit-Baltistan , the challenges are intense . The poor economic context combined with a high prevalence of child labor , domestic violence , and early marriage put children in a particularly vulnerable position . Yet , the very communities grappling with these pain points are also a source of tremendous hope .
Women are leading the charge toward a brighter future . More and more women and girls are standing up for their rights and paving the way for gender equity and education in their region . Zaheera is enthusiastic about her role in this change . She knows that her decisions for Moheed are part of building a new generation of educated citizens and leaders . And Central Asia Institute is proud to stand by her side . •
Making Change
Together
57 PRESCHOOL TEACHERS
32 MOTHERS ’ FORUMS
26 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTERS
641 CHILDREN AGES 3-5
42 SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES *
12:1 STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO
* Also supporting primary and secondary schools
1 Planning & Development Department , Government of the Gilgit-Baltistan and UNICEF Pakistan . 2017 . GB Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey , 2016-17 , F report . Gilgit , Pakistan : P & D Department , Government of the Gilgit-Baltistan and UNICEF Pakistan .
2
Isaacs J and Roessel E . 2008 . Impacts of Early Childhood Programs . Brookings .
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