By Sudheer Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: In an effort to combat the widespread issue of out-of-school children, authorities in Khyber District have launched an ambitious campaign aimed at enrolling 15,000 children into schools. As of now, an estimated 61,000 children remain out of school, according to the local education department, highlighting the significant challenges faced by the region’s education system.
A ceremony to mark the start of the school admission campaign was held at Government High School Hashimabad in Jamrud, with a modest but meaningful gathering of officials, teachers, and students. Among the attendees were key figures such as Additional Assistant Commissioner Nasir Abbas, Deputy District Education Officer (DDEO) Adil Nawaz Afridi, Assistant Sub-Divisional Education Officer Muhammad Wajid Afridi, and Principal Abdul Rehman Afridi. The event also saw a large turnout of head teachers from primary cluster schools and numerous students who were eager to begin their educational journey.
“Education is light, it is power,” said Afridi, stressing the pivotal role education plays in the development and progress of any society. “No society can develop or prosper without educating its children. Every individual must support this campaign to ensure no child is deprived of learning,” he added. His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone present of the importance of working together to overcome the barriers to education that many children face.
The campaign’s initial target of enrolling 15,000 children in the early grades has already seen 10,000 children admitted, with hopes that the number will continue to rise thanks to the enthusiastic community backing the effort. Afridi praised the unified efforts of civil administration officials, school leaders, teachers, local representatives, and community members who have worked tirelessly to ensure the campaign’s success so far.
