RUDA, UNICEF and Literacy Department Punjab Launch 22 Non-Formal Schools

What Happened

The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Literacy Department Punjab, has formally launched its non-formal education initiative at Ganje Sidwah. The village is one of 91 falling within RUDA’s jurisdiction. According to a spokesperson for the authority, as reported by Dawn, the initiative includes setting up 22 non-formal schools with the literacy department. The aim is to improve educational access in rural and peri-urban communities.

RUDA Executive Director Naveed Riaz and Director General Literacy Punjab Imrana Touqeer jointly inaugurated the initiative.

Speaking at the ceremony, Riaz said the initiative aligns with the Punjab Government’s Literacy and Non-Formal Education Policy 2025. He also linked it to the Chief Minister Punjab’s vision of achieving zero out-of-school children. He thanked RUDA’s CSR Department for turning human development objectives into practical community-level interventions.

Fatima Ali Khan, Director CSR at RUDA, said community engagement and educational interventions are important for improving the Human Development Index. She said RUDA is addressing educational gaps through:

• Non-formal schools
• Temporary Learning Centers
• Vocational education

Khan also described an enrolment awareness campaign. Under it, information boards and banners were installed outside schools to encourage parents to enrol their children. She acknowledged the vision and commitment of CEO RUDA Imran Amin towards inclusive development and human capital enhancement.

Mr Kamran, representing UNICEF, briefed participants on the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). He said the programme provides flexible learning opportunities to children who have missed formal schooling.

Touqeer appreciated RUDA’s efforts to promote literacy and strengthen community engagement through the 22 non-formal schools. She commended RUDA’s commitment to bringing out-of-school children into the education system. She also assured continued cooperation and full support from the Literacy Department Punjab to further expand such initiatives.

According to the organisers, the initiative reflects the joint commitment of RUDA, UNICEF and the Literacy Department Punjab. The stated goals are improving literacy, increasing school enrolment and creating sustainable educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Who Is Affected

• Children in rural and peri-urban communities within RUDA’s jurisdiction, which covers 91 villages, including Ganje Sidwah.
• Children who have missed formal schooling, whom the Accelerated Learning Programme is designed to reach.
• Out-of-school children, whom the initiative aims to bring into the education system.
• Parents, who are the target of the enrolment awareness campaign.