Sindh distributes 1,000 tablets to strengthen non-formal education

KARACHI: The Sindh government has distributed 1,000 digital tablets as part of an initiative to expand non-formal education and bring out-of-school children into the education system.

The tablets were distributed at a ceremony held at the Scouts Auditorium in Karachi, organised by the Directorate of Literacy and Non-Formal Education under the School Education Department.

Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah attended the event as chief guest, while JICA Pakistan Chief Advisor for Education and Literacy, Chiho Ohashi, also participated.

The education minister distributed the tablets among representatives of social organisations and community-based organisations operating non-formal education centres across the province.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shah said the non-formal education programme was launched in April 2025 and had so far helped connect around 100,000 out-of-school children across six districts of Sindh with educational opportunities.

He said children who were unable to attend conventional schools were being provided access to education with the support of local communities, with particular attention being given to improving access for girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Shah said the distribution of 1,000 tablets was not merely about providing equipment but also about empowering 1,000 facilitators and strengthening 1,000 educational centres.

The devices would help facilitate communication with teachers, monitor student attendance, manage data and track educational activities.

He added that the challenge of out-of-school children was not limited to Sindh but was a nationwide issue, requiring collaboration between governments, social organisations and community-based organisations.

JICA Chief Advisor Chiho Ohashi said the 1,000 digital tablets would support facilitators in teaching, learning, data management, communication and monitoring. The devices would also provide facilitators with access to teaching materials, online training and professional development opportunities.