DIL entered into an agreement with the Cooperation for Advancement, Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), in July 2002, to improve the quality of education currently being imparted to children attending five government schools in Sheikhupura, Punjab . Dropout rates were high in these schools while gross enrollment rates were dangerously low. Graduates would leave school barely able to read or write. The schools are situated in densely populated poverty-stricken areas, inhabited mostly by poor tillers. In order to ward off starvation, children are forced to earn a living, thus falling prey to unscrupulous and exploitative employers.
Significant improvements in both physical infrastructure and teaching quality have been made over the last two years. Teachers are undergoing intensive teacher training programs to become better equipped to meet the required standards. The schools have been provided adequate furniture, electricity, drinking water, fans, and toilets. Standardized examination systems are being followed. Small libraries have also been set up in all 5 schools, which have generated a lot of enthusiasm and interest in reading. These libraries were funded by a grant from Target and AMC Corporation.
The number of students enrolled in the five schools has risen to 1854-a testament to the schools' success. DIL is very pleased with the progress of the project and plans to improve the quality of the schools further by improving the physical infrastructure and setting up computer labs.
About CARE
CARE (no affiliation with the American NGO of the same name) began as a flood relief project in 1988 under the name of Welfare Trust. CARE established its own school network in the 1990's, which expanded when the Government of Punjab handed over 10 schools for adoption to them in 1998. CARE was given nine more schools in 2000, and its dedication has led to a significant increase in the Matriculation pass rates. Currently CARE educates 20,000 students in over 25 schools, and employs 450 teachers.
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