PKS-9, our newest school, started operations in December 2019, and has already reached an enrollment of 220 students. Girls make up 44% of the students. There is a demand for education in this community, as they have no access to affordable schooling. However, getting girls into school is a challenge, given the conservative community mindset, and it takes a lot of mobilization and persuasion.

PKS-9 offers a single shift school program at this stage. Classes at PKS-9 range from PlayGroup to Grade 5. The primary method of instruction is based on Montessori Pedagogy. PKS-9 also provides books, school supplies, and uniforms to all children. PKS-9 attempts to develop children physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively, and considers a ‘whole child’ approach in its educational philosophy. It instills confidence through positive experiences and encourages character building by exposure to positive role models. Grade 5 students taking the national test had an 85% pass rate.

PKS-9 serves a local community with a population of about 3,500. The majority of families are Afghan refugees, who fled to Pakistan about 27 years ago. With parents having no education, the average family earns less than $100 per month working as unskilled, daily wage labor. The language spoken is predominantly Pashto.