Recent years have witnessed significant developments in the NFE sector, including the formulation of a comprehensive NFE policy, strengthened institutional frameworks, and the scaling up of Accelerated Learning Programs (ALPs), including innovative models like ALP (Middle-Tech). The “Zero OOSC Campaign” in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), a successful collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and the community, demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in identifying and enrolling OOSC.
The 2023-24 NFE Statistical Report provides valuable insights into the current state of NFE in Pakistan. Key findings include:
Findings:
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Enrollment – 35,427 NFE centers serve 1,290,009 learners, with a notable 20% increase in enrollment compared to the previous year.
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Gender Parity – 57% of learners are girls, with significant regional variations.
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Center Types – 90% of centers are NFBE/ALPs, with a growing focus on ALP (Middle-Tech).
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Teacher Demographics – 82% of teachers are female, with significant regional variations.
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Youth and Adult Literacy – 3,382 adult literacy centers serve 80,093 learners, demonstrating a significant increase in focus on adult literacy.
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Refugee Education – 10,181 refugee children, primarily from Afghanistan, are enrolled in NFE programs.
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Private Sector Contribution – While the public sector plays a dominant role, the contribution of private and development sector organizations is crucial.
Recommendations:
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Expand ALP Programs – Prioritize the expansion of ALP (Middle-Tech) programs due to their high retention rates (70%) and their ability to provide both academic and vocational skills.
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Strengthen Youth and Adult Literacy – Increase investment in youth and adult literacy programs to address the needs of over 67 million illiterate adults. Explore innovative approaches like Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
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Address Regional Disparities – Focus on regions with lower enrollment rates and address specific challenges faced by girls and children from marginalized communities.
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Enhance Data Collection and Utilization – Continuously improve the quality and timeliness of data collection and utilize data effectively to inform policy decisions and program improvements.
This report provides valuable data and insights that will inform policy decisions and guide future interventions to effectively address the challenges of out-of-school children and enhance the quality and accessibility of non-formal education in Pakistan.
Read the full report here: Annual Statistics Report 2023-24
