Nestled high in the mountains, the District of Mansehra is renowned for its landscape and scenic beauty. It boasts one of the oldest histories in the Asian sub-continent; consequently its geographical boundaries have been changed over time by various Rajas, Maharajahs and Kings, including Alexander the Great. The district is located at the eastern border of NWFP ( 2 hours drive from Peshawar and three hours from Islamabad
The average literacy rate for males in rural Mansehra district for males is 61% and for females it is 31%.

It was in the aftermath of devastating earthquake that ripped through parts of Pakistan's North regions, killing 75,000 and affecting almost 1 million school-aged children that DIL embarked on a new primary school project in the affected Mansehra district in partnership with Agahi (www.agahi.org)

Project Update

In March 2006, DIL in collaboration with Agahi (local partner organization) embarked on a two school project. By June 2006, two such communities had been identified: Shohal Mazullah and Shohal Maidan, about 40 minutes from Mansehra on the way to Balakot.

Relief International (RI), an organization that manufactures earthquake-proof prefab buildings, was hired to build the schools. The building design was approved by the Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). Community Based Organizations were identified and briefed about school management systems. Teachers for both schools were hired and trained by Agahi.

Schools

Shohal Mazullah
This school is funded by MFF, a private foundation. The construction of the school was completed in April 2007 and classes commenced on 3rd May 2007. The School Management Committee is helping teachers with admissions and student registration. The current enrollment is 75 and many more students are expected to enroll after the summer vocations. Classrooms have been provided with furniture and educational material.

Maidan School
This school, funded by the UN Foundation (link to website) and DIL Canada (link to website), is still under construction and classes are expected to commence in early June 2007. The enrollment process has begun, the teachers have been hired and trained, and school furniture and materials have been purchased.

A new location, Jabri, has been identified for the opening of a third school. DIL and Agahi are in the process of finalizing the details and are planning to begin construction shortly.