Transforming Education in Peshawar: Establishment of Centers of Excellence

Strategic Insights -

The elementary and secondary education department in Peshawar has announced a significant initiative to transform two higher secondary schools each for boys and girls into Centers of Excellence (CoEs). The objective of this project is to provide quality education by incorporating modern teaching methods, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The CoEs will emphasize academic excellence, character building, innovation, and creativity, and will cater to a total of 70 schools across the province.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CoEs will have well-trained faculty, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, including digital and scientific labs, sports facilities, and cultural activities.
  • The initiative is part of the Sustainable Development Goal 4, aiming to improve access to quality education for children.
  • The CoEs will introduce curricula through qualified and trained staff, using advanced technological mediums in well-equipped classrooms.
  • The program aims to foster a nurturing and innovative learning environment to empower students to reach their full potential, embracing diversity and developing skills for success.
  • Competent teachers, already serving in government schools, will be deputed to the selected schools, with proper training sessions to ensure their readiness for digital teaching methods.
  • The CoEs will be funded at a cost of Rs150 million, with an allocation of Rs10 million, approved by the Departmental Development Working Party on October 17, 2025.
  • The initiative has been reflected in the Annual Development Programme 2025-26.
  • Three specialized committees will be established to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in monitoring, evaluation, and staffing.
  • The CoEs will also feature dispensary, sports grounds, and counselling rooms.

Statistics:

  • Total number of schools to be transformed into CoEs: 140 (2 in each of the 70 districts)
  • Cost of the project: Rs150 million
  • Approval date for the project funding: October 17, 2025
  • Allocation for the project: Rs10 million
  • Number of teachers to be deputed: TBA (dependent on the number of teachers needed for the CoEs)
  • Number of students to benefit: Estimated to be around 70,000

Sources:

  • Dawn (Article title not specified)