In April 2003, DIL signed a five-year contract with the Society for Community Support for Primary Education in Baluchistan (SCSPEB) to establish 10 secondary schools in the Pishin, Mastung and Ziarat districts of Baluchistan.

DIL and SCSPEB began this project with a baseline survey done in all three districts to identify areas with potential for opening a middle school. It was found that less than 10 percent of girls living in these districts attend secondary schools after completing their primary education - the main reason being non-availability of secondary schools for girls. The purpose of DIL's intervention is to address the gender disparity in enrollment rates by providing quality secondary education to girls living in these regions, and to involve the community in establishing and running the schools.

In addition to initial enrollment, student retention is vital to the schools' success, as parents often do not support secondary education for girls. Mobilization and strengthening of the community to cultivate an interest in girls' education will thus be addressed throughout the project period. Democratically elected Education Councils have been formed to assist in the management and supervision of day-to-day school affairs and to cultivate cultural support for female education within the communities at large. Meetings and orientations have been held with the councils on their roles and responsibilities.

An Action Plan has been developed for the project staff, which includes detailed monthly work plans. Course books, notebooks, school bags, geometry boxes and other school supplies were provided to all the students.

DIL's ultimate aim is to build the capacity of local communities so that they can operate their respective schools independently by the end of the five-year project.

About SCSPEB

Founded in 1992, Society for Community Support for Primary Education in Baluchistan (SCSPEB) addresses gender disparities, poverty and human resource development though creating partnerships between Government and communities. SCSPEB was awarded the prestigious UN-Award in 2001 for their success in promoting female education in the remote areas of Baluchistan. The organization focuses on female education, eliminating gender disparity, influencing government policy on social sector issues and poverty alleviation.