Unfortunately, in Pakistan, this fundamental right remains a dream for millions of children and young people. For some, access to school itself is a challenge; for others, quality education is simply not available, while for many families, the cost of education is beyond their means.
There are countless parents who want to educate their children but, because of limited incomes and growing economic pressures, are forced to choose between their children's education and their family's basic needs. Some children manage to begin their education but are unable to complete it because of financial difficulties.
The seriousness of Pakistan's education crisis can be understood from official statistics. According to the Pakistan Education Statistics 2023-24 published by the Pakistan Institute of Education, around 25.1 million children between the ages of 5 and 16 are out of school, representing approximately 35 percent of the country's school-age population.
The World Bank estimates that around 80 percent of children in Pakistan at primary-school age are unable to read and understand a simple text, raising serious questions about the quality of our education system. These figures indicate that Pakistan's education challenge is not limited to increasing the number of schools. We need to work on three fronts simultaneously: bringing children into schools, ensuring that they remain in education, and providing them with quality learning.
Financial difficulties become an even greater barrier at the higher education level. Many talented young people successfully complete their matriculation and intermediate education but cannot bear the burden of university tuition fees, books, transportation and other educational expenses. Some try to work alongside their studies, while others are eventually forced to leave their education incomplete. In such circumstances, a scholarship is not merely financial assistance; it becomes an opportunity to continue education.
It is in response to this need that Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan's Academic Scholarship Program is providing support to deserving and talented students seeking to pursue higher education. The program's annual online registration remains open from August 1 to October 31, allowing students to complete the application process online from home.
According to Alkhidmat Foundation, 7,820 students have benefited from the Academic Scholarship Program so far, including 3,985 males and 3,835 females. Financial assistance amounting to Rs 683.961 million has been provided to these students.
Importantly, the program is not merely a record of past assistance; 1,570 students are currently continuing their education under the program. Among the beneficiaries are 1,997 medical students, 623 engineering students, 4,388 BS (Honours) students and 812 students studying IT. Through the program, deserving and talented young people in different fields are being given an opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions.
At the school and college level, applicants are required to have secured at least 75 percent marks in matriculation and intermediate examinations. At the university level, students already enrolled in degree programs can apply before completing their second year. Selected students receive financial assistance according to the program's criteria until the completion of their degrees, helping ensure that financial hardship does not force them to abandon their education.
The impact of such a scholarship can perhaps best be understood through the experience of Umama Shahid, a beneficiary of the program. Umama completed her graduation in Psychology and is now working as a psychologist at a reputable organization.
According to her, she enrolled in university in 2020, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, her father lost his job. After completing two semesters, continuing her education became extremely difficult, and she feared that she might have to leave her degree incomplete. It was during this period that she learned about Alkhidmat's Academic Scholarship. She and her brother applied and were both selected, enabling them to continue their education and complete their degrees.
Umama Shahid says, "One should never stop trying in life. I did not give up either, and Allah made Alkhidmat's scholarship a means of helping me."
Umama's story represents thousands of young people who possess talent, determination and the desire to move forward, but whose resources are limited. In such circumstances, a scholarship is not simply the payment of a student's fee; it gives them an opportunity to keep their dream alive.
In my view, the real success of any scholarship program should not be measured only by how much money has been spent or how many students have received assistance. It should also be measured by how many young people, with that support, were able to complete their education and become capable of making a positive contribution to their families and society.
This is the kind of opportunity Pakistan needs. In a country where millions of children are still out of school, expanding access to education is not solely the responsibility of the government. It is a shared responsibility of individuals who have the means to help, institutions and charitable organisations.
Education should not be a dream for a child; it should be a right. When a deserving student is given an opportunity to continue their education, it is not merely one student who is being helped. A dream is given a path towards becoming a reality, and the foundation of an entire future is laid. If you too wish to play a role in turning a student's dream into reality, you can support Alkhidmat Foundation and help deserving students continue their educational journey.
By Ahmad Nabeel Neel
Note: The views expressed by the blogger are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution. — Editor
