The rural areas of Balochistan have a low literacy rate, especially among women. The students found this a concern and wanted to take the initiative and contribute to creating awareness amongst community members. The education rate for women in tribal areas is very low, as the students in Juniper Campus belong to diverse ethnic backgrounds, and many come from remote tribal areas with low literacy rates. The students involved in this project wanted to initiate a project from their villages and play their role as agents of change.
The Journey
According to UNESCO 2019, Balochistan has the lowest female literacy rate among all provinces in Pakistan. The available data suggest that the male literacy rate is higher than females, with only 2% of rural females being literate compared to 20% of rural males. The collective literacy rate in rural and urban areas is 38% for males and 12% for females. This highlights the existing gender-based inequality in education, which is influenced by various socio-cultural factors.
The project's next phase involves creating a documentary to raise awareness among students, staff, and parents about the current status of female education in the province and seeking volunteer support to expand the project.
Process
An awareness campaign is being launched within the school, using posters, pamphlets, and artwork to promote female education. Focused-group discussions with staff and students facilitate a deeper understanding... of educational inequality. The completed documentary will be screened for students, staff, and parents, encouraging dialogue. Findings will be shared on social media platforms, increasing visibility. The project also includes "Taleem sub ka Bunyandi Haq," where BCP Juniper students will support a teaching program for girls in nearby areas. Initially targeting female children of support staff, the program will later collaborate with local NGOs and UNESCO. Extensive social media promotion is underway to maximise impact. This comprehensive approach aims to combat educational inequalities and create meaningful change.
Key Learnings
The project led students to explore the reasons for the lack of access to education for women in Balochistan. It unveiled the existing perceptions, prevalent practices, social biases, and cultural influences resulting in educational inequality. In collaboration with a local NGO, “The Society for Community Strengthening and Promotion of Education, Balochistan (SCSPEB)”, the group collected data within the geographical limits of Quetta. Face-to-face interviews with the locals enlightened them with their perceptions and beliefs about the importance of female education in Balochistan.
The Impact
Involvement of a greater number of students on a volunteer basis will further find out possible solutions such as Beaconhouse College Campus Juniper Quetta, and students can aspire to work with local NGOs and on their own to educate at least a small group of females in Quetta City along with their native villages.
Way Forward
The way forward includes the identification of socio-cultural reasons, perceptions, and biases resulting in educational inequality between genders in Balochistan. Developing awareness among the school community and reaching out to a larger audience through social media can help spread awareness. Solutions should be suggested with input from stakeholders and experts. Future extension of the project to launch an education program through volunteer teaching by BCP students can support female education in orphanages and schools run by NGOs in Quetta City. A clear plan of action and continuous evaluation and adjustment of strategies will be important.
The Inspiration
The rural areas of Balochistan have a low literacy rate, especially among women. The students found this a concern and wanted to take the initiative and contribute to creating awareness amongst community members. The education rate for women in tribal areas is very low, as the students in Juniper Campus belong to diverse ethnic backgrounds, and many come from remote tribal areas with low literacy rates. The students involved in this project wanted to initiate a project from their villages and play their role as agents of change.
The Journey
According to UNESCO 2019, Balochistan has the lowest female literacy rate among all provinces in Pakistan. The available data suggest that the male literacy rate is higher than females, with only 2% of rural females being literate compared to 20% of rural males. The collective literacy rate in rural and urban areas is 38% for males and 12% for females. This highlights the existing gender-based inequality in education, which is influenced by various socio-cultural factors.
The project's next phase involves creating a documentary to raise awareness among students, staff, and parents about the current status of female education in the province and seeking volunteer support to expand the project.
Process
An awareness campaign is being launched within the school, using posters, pamphlets, and artwork to promote female education. Focused-group discussions with staff and students facilitate a deeper understanding... of educational inequality. The completed documentary will be screened for students, staff, and parents, encouraging dialogue. Findings will be shared on social media platforms, increasing visibility. The project also includes "Taleem sub ka Bunyandi Haq," where BCP Juniper students will support a teaching program for girls in nearby areas. Initially targeting female children of support staff, the program will later collaborate with local NGOs and UNESCO. Extensive social media promotion is underway to maximise impact. This comprehensive approach aims to combat educational inequalities and create meaningful change.
Key Learnings
The project led students to explore the reasons for the lack of access to education for women in Balochistan. It unveiled the existing perceptions, prevalent practices, social biases, and cultural influences resulting in educational inequality. In collaboration with a local NGO, “The Society for Community Strengthening and Promotion of Education, Balochistan (SCSPEB)”, the group collected data within the geographical limits of Quetta. Face-to-face interviews with the locals enlightened them with their perceptions and beliefs about the importance of female education in Balochistan.
The Impact
Involvement of a greater number of students on a volunteer basis will further find out possible solutions such as Beaconhouse College Campus Juniper Quetta, and students can aspire to work with local NGOs and on their own to educate at least a small group of females in Quetta City along with their native villages.
Way Forward
The way forward includes the identification of socio-cultural reasons, perceptions, and biases resulting in educational inequality between genders in Balochistan. Developing awareness among the school community and reaching out to a larger audience through social media can help spread awareness. Solutions should be suggested with input from stakeholders and experts. Future extension of the project to launch an education program through volunteer teaching by BCP students can support female education in orphanages and schools run by NGOs in Quetta City. A clear plan of action and continuous evaluation and adjustment of strategies will be important.
