RUDA establishes 22 non-formal schools to expand education opportunities in rural communities

The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), in partnership with UNICEF and the Literacy Department Punjab, has launched 22

LAHORE:  The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), in partnership with UNICEF and the Literacy Department Punjab, has launched 22 non-formal schools to improve access to education and promote literacy among children in rural and peri-urban communities.

The initiative was formally inaugurated at Ganje Sidwah, one of the 91 villages located within RUDA’s jurisdiction. The programme aims to address educational challenges in underserved areas by providing learning opportunities to children who have limited access to conventional schooling.

The 22 non-formal educational institutions were identified in coordination with the Literacy Department Punjab as part of a joint effort to strengthen the education system and increase enrolment among out-of-school children.

Executive Director RUDA, Col. Naveed Riaz, and Director General Literacy Punjab, Ms. Imrana Touqeer, jointly inaugurated the initiative during a ceremony attended by representatives of the partner organisations and relevant officials.

Addressing the gathering, Col. Naveed Riaz said the initiative was aligned with the Punjab Government’s Literacy and Non-Formal Education Policy 2025 and the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab to achieve the goal of zero out-of-school children across the province.

He emphasised that improving educational opportunities at the community level was essential for sustainable development and acknowledged the efforts of RUDA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Department in translating human development goals into practical initiatives.

He also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between government departments and development partners to ensure that children from disadvantaged communities are not deprived of their right to education.

Speaking at the event, RUDA Director CSR Ms. Fatima Ali Khan discussed the role of community participation and educational programmes in improving the Human Development Index (HDI). She explained that RUDA was working to address existing educational gaps through different interventions, including non-formal schools, Temporary Learning Centres and vocational education programmes.

She also outlined the authority’s enrolment awareness campaign, which aims to encourage parents to send their children to school. As part of the campaign, information boards and promotional banners have been installed outside educational institutions to raise awareness about available learning opportunities and the importance of children’s education.

Ms. Fatima Ali Khan further acknowledged RUDA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Imran Amin for his leadership and commitment to inclusive development, improved educational access and human capital development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kamran Lon, representing UNICEF, briefed participants on the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). He explained that the programme provides flexible educational opportunities for children who have missed formal schooling, helping them resume their education through alternative learning arrangements.

Director General Literacy Punjab Ms. Imrana Touqeer appreciated RUDA’s contribution to promoting literacy and expanding educational facilities through the establishment of 22 non-formal schools.

She praised the authority’s efforts to bring out-of-school children into the education system and strengthen community participation in educational activities. She also assured continued cooperation and full support from the Literacy Department Punjab to expand similar initiatives and improve educational opportunities in underserved areas.

The launch marks a collaborative step towards reducing educational inequalities and addressing the challenge of out-of-school children in rural Punjab.

Through its partnership with UNICEF and the Literacy Department Punjab, RUDA aims to strengthen literacy, encourage school enrolment and provide sustainable learning opportunities to communities that have historically faced barriers to formal education.