Karachi (Press Release): Habib Oil Mills (HOM) have joined forces with Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) to empower girls’ education in the country by establishing a school, Shahina Perveen Campus, in the under-resourced locality of Ibrahim Haidery in Karachi. While the true motif of the school is to encourage girls’ education, about 25% boys from the district have also been enrolled in the school where they will be provided quality education.
A total of 22.5 million children are estimated to be out of school in Pakistan, the majority of whom are girls. A total of 32% girls and 21% boys are still not in schools and it gets worse for girls because only 13% make it to the ninth grade. Our youth can only thrive in this constantly changing world if they have access to education. This initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in education and help the children build a better tomorrow for themselves.
Commenting on the partnership, Managing Director Habib Oil Mills, Mr. Moidul Hassan said, “Despite the country’s increased demand for girls’ education, girls still face barriers to education because of the gendered social norms and poverty. At HOM, we believe that women are economic contributors rather than economic dependents and to make them economically dependent, education is vital. The number of girls not in schools is alarming and we are hoping to make a difference in collaboration with SAF.”
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Shahid Afridi, Chairman SAF stated, “Education shouldn’t only focus on prominent academic disciplines of Commerce, Science, and Arts but should also aim to foster critical thinking, life skills, value education, analytical skills, and decision-making skills in students. SAF Education is a community-based learning program that promotes ‘twenty-first-century skills,’ like vocational skills, capacity development, and digital literacy. It benefits students through various academic and skills-based programs to cope with rapidly changing socio-economic scenarios. The partnership with H.O.M is a step further in uplifting the underserved community of ‘Arkanabad’ and creating new opportunities for them and their children. We will further expand this partnership to ensure Hope Not Out for all.
The ceremony was attended by the board of directors of HOM and SAF along with dignitaries from the corporate, education and media spheres in Pakistan.
