(TCF) – Page 2 – Newswire Pakistan

November 29, 2021November 30, 2021

TCF showcased at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Programme

Karachi, November 29, 2021 (PPI-OT):TCF started with a dream to educate the most vulnerable children of Pakistan, thus enabling them to create a better future for themselves, and become agents of positive change. While this dream started with five schools, today TCF’s school network is spread across Pakistan, with 1,687 schools present in even the most remote areas of the country.

TCF at Expo 2020 Dubai

As a testament to TCF’s promise to provide quality education, TCF has been selected as one of the top 25 projects worldwide to be showcased at the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Programme, ‘Small Steps, Big Leaps’, Solutions for Sustainable Impact. TCF was selected after a review of 1,175 applicant programmes from 141 countries by an international committee.

The Global Best Practice Programme is an initiative that recognises organisations from around the world that have provided tangible, adaptable and scalable solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. It sheds light on projects for global visibility and knowledge that are in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and have localised the Global Agenda in their countries, communities, neighbourhoods and households to ensure that no one is left behind. Amongst the five key topics the programme focuses on – including inclusive and sustainable service delivery, water and energy security, resilient habitats, and livelihoods and enterprise development – TCF was selected in the social development category for its unique educational model in Pakistan.

The Global Best Practice Programme will highlight TCF from 2nd Dec 2021 – 2nd Jan 2022 as one of the successful and impactful solutions in the Best Practice Area (BPA) at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Best Practice Area (BPA) will be located in the Opportunity Pavilion next to the UN Hub at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Best Practice Area (BPA) will be a multifunctional exhibition and programming space housed within the Opportunity Pavilion, where different development best practices will be showcased and shared, thus modelling the idea of an “interactive hub” as a reflection of Expo’s overall theme – Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.

The Best Practices Implemented At TCF

TCF’s education model is built upon certain best practices that help improve enrolment, break barriers to girls’ education and provides the less privileged with a fair chance to build a future they want. These include:

Purpose-built schools

Our school buildings are well-equipped with airy and well-lit classrooms, an administrative block, playground, library, computer and science labs to provide students with a stimulating learning environment.

Schools in the heart of urban slums and rural communities

As most students walk to school, TCF ensures that each of its school buildings are centered at the heart of the community. This allows children to have easy access, even in the most remote areas.

All-female faculty

In order to promote girls’ enrolment in school, TCF employs a strict female only policy when hiring, resulting in TCF being the single largest employer of women in the private sector. TCF provides training to these teachers and transports them to and from the school, which helps attract and retain the most qualified women from immediate and neighbouring communities. TCF’s current faculty consists of 12,950 teachers and principals, who all play a role in bringing girls from even the most conservative of communities into classrooms where they belong.

Intensive teacher training and development

TCF understands that specialized principal and teacher training is a prerequisite for imparting quality education in all its schools. The Training team in the Education Department, therefore, aligns an extensive teacher and principal training programme every year. For teachers, the training ranges from classroom management, motivating learners, to even using visual aids. Principals on the other hand receive training for effective school leadership.

5Cs of the curriculum

TCF’s definition of quality education lies on the premise of the 5Cs: creative and critical thinking, conceptual knowledge, confidence, core values, communication skills, and a curriculum suited for student success. Our education team extensively studies international curriculum practices and implements best practices from across the world to improve and enrich the content taught at our schools.

Alumni Support

Learning and growth for TCF students continues even after they graduate from school. TCF has established an Alumni Department, through which it endeavours to support its alumni through various initiatives:

Career Counselling sessions are organized annually to help students explore and identify their interests and guide them on the future academic choices they should make to follow their dreams and achieve economic independence.

Our Alumni Development Programme is an on-field teaching initiative designed to help TCF alumni secure admissions in the best universities in Pakistan. It was introduced to create a learning platform for TCF graduates through which they can transition to further academic and professional opportunities.

Through these efforts, 48% of TCF’s alumni have pursued higher education, with several securing admissions in various esteemed universities.

Community Development

TCF believes that real advancement takes place when not just a few individuals, but the whole community is thriving. For this reason, we have several community development programmes in place. Our adult literacy programme “Aagahi” aims to provide functional literacy and numeracy skills to women, thereby enhancing their quality of life. Since its inception, Aagahi has benefitted over 150,000 learners and has evolved into a pathway to also educate out-of-school children.

TCF’s Community Vocational Programme trains women around TCF schools in tailoring skills which helps them earn a livelihood and support the family. During COVID-19, the Programme digitised their training curriculum to ensure that a learner’s skill development was not interrupted.

Under TCF’s Aab-e-Rehmat clean drinking water initiative, community-sized filtration plants have been set up within our school premises, with dual outlets for both the school and the community. This ensures better water quality, and benefits individuals across 11 districts.

Meet Our Team Member at Expo 2020 Dubai

TCF’s Executive Vice President, Zia Akhter Abbas, will be speaking at several sessions at the Expo 2020 Dubai:

14th December 2021: At the Dubai Cares RewirED Summit, Mr. Abbas along with leaders from other non-profits across South Asia and Africa will speak about Why governments are partnering with Non-profits to sustainably transform education systems at scale.

Time: (To be shared)

Venue: (To be shared)

15th December 2021: Mr. Abbas will speak at the Bringing Knowledge and Learning to the World Flagship Event. The event will provide an opportunity to spotlight key challenges of bringing knowledge and learning to the world; celebrate and learn from individuals and innovations that have succeeded in various contexts; and provide a platform for intergenerational dialogue about the enablers of these successes.

To attend please email your interest at admin@tcfuae.org. A registration link for the event will be shared soon.

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Venue: The Nexus for People and Planet

For more information, contact:
Head Office,
The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
Plot No. 20, Sector # 14, Near Brookes Chowrangi,
Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi, 74900, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-823-823 Ext: 1416
Fax: +92-21-35113460
Email: info@tcf.org.pk
Website: https://www.tcf.org.pk/

November 4, 2021November 5, 2021

Reforming TCF-adopted government schools

Karachi, November 04, 2021 (PPI-OT):In April 2016, when TCF formalised an agreement with the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) under its Public School Support Programme (PSSP), 257 government primary schools across 6 districts of the province came under TCF’s management. When we took over, these schools were in an extremely poor condition – classrooms were in a dismal state, there was a dearth of furniture and basic amenities and inadequate teaching practices and high absenteeism were contributing to poor learning outcomes.

Improving education through quality interventions

We immediately got to work on improving these schools in order to deliver quality education as well as improve student enrolment. Over the years, our teams worked on inducting competent teachers and principals and providing comprehensive training to help them deliver child-centered lessons. We introduced opportunities to develop cognitive, social and emotional skills with a focus on well-being, provided remedial classes to students in need and engaged with school communities and parents to support children’s learning and development.

Rebuilding Education Infrastructure

Education infrastructure is important to support learning-conducive environments. At TCF, our education model depends on providing purpose-built schools, literacy enriched-classrooms, libraries and laboratories to facilitate meaningful learning and foster well-being of our children. However, the infrastructure and facilities of these government schools were completely inadequate for TCF to roll out its tried-and-tested education model. We undertook basic refurbishment and improvements at the schools, but due to limited resources we could not provide the school environment we wanted. Therefore, we were constantly on the lookout for opportunities to solicit funds for renovation and invest in infrastructure improvement.

In 2019, TCF partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a department of the Government of the United Kingdom for the renovation and upgrade of our Partnership Schools in Punjab. As part of this commitment, FCDO approved the restoration and building of 600 classrooms across 198 government schools in the TCF Network. Additionally, it also provided funds to construct 100 separate toilets for boys and girls. The construction work was completed in May 2021.

Through our Partnership Programme, we are continuously working towards reforming and reviving government schools across Pakistan with the goal of delivering quality education for the less privileged on a large scale.

“Today, it’s heartening to see my children sit in their newly constructed, colourful classrooms. They have proper ventilation and designed with ramps and handrails to make them accessible to children with disabilities. New toilets have improved sanitation and my school is now in a much better position to enroll more students.”

October 15, 2021October 17, 2021

Bank of Punjab joins hands with TCF in Sadqah Jariyah Initiative

Karachi, October 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Bank of Punjab (BOP) joins hands with The Citizens Foundations (TCF) in the field of education. The MoU was signed by Mr. Zafar Masud (President and CEO – BOP) and Syed Asaad Ayub Ahmad (President and CEO – TCF).

Through this partnership BOP aims to contribute to TCF’s mission to provide quality education to less privileged children through their 1,687 schools educating 275,000 children across Pakistan. Under the “Sadqah Jariyah” initiative, BOP will provide donation collection services to TCF, thus garnering more support for TCF’s mission to provide quality education. Several physical and digital channels will be set-up to facilitate donations, including support from Non-resident Pakistani donors using the RDA platform. Funds collected will be utilized in programs themed around education for girl child and differently-able persons and adult female literacy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Zafar Masud (President and CEO – BOP) said, “Social responsibility is the cornerstone of BOP’s vision of giving back to the society by educating the segment which will have long term impact on promoting much-needed inclusiveness. By signing this MoU, we are laying the foundation for a long-term partnership between BOP and TCF. We hope to raise funds from overseas Pakistanis through RDA and our own employees to begin-with, and then expand this product through other collection channels. In addition to facilitating fund collection, BOP will also contribute financially by matching customer and staff donations which is a very unique offering in the local market. BOP has always been on the forefront of social betterment and offering new ideas which perfectly aligns this partnership with our motto ‘Har Fard Ka Khayal’”.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Zahid Mustafa (Group Chief Consumer and Digital Banking – BOP) said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be involved in this initiative and to be part of a socially conscious organization like BOP. As part of BOP’s intent to provide innovative products and digital solutions, “Sadqah Jariyah” initiative will enable its customers to donate funds to TCF with ease. We also plan to introduce market first Savings and Term Deposit products, where part of the profit earned by customers will be re-invested into “Sadqah Jariyah” projects”.

Syed Asaad Ayub Ahmad (President and CEO – TCF) expressing his views on the occasion said, “For 26 years, TCF has been committed to providing quality education for the less privileged children of Pakistan. To fulfill this mission, we look towards collaborating with organisations that share our vision of a better and literate Pakistan. Banking sector is transforming away from conventional ways of brick and mortar and have entered the digital era with modern solutions, allowing ease of banking in the most efficient manner. We are excited to collaborate with BOP, allowing our donors and stakeholders to utilise the bank’s wide range of innovative products, helping us expand our reach and impact.”

Also speaking on the occasion, Syed Irfan Ali (Managing Director – Deposit Protection Corporation, a subsidiary of SBP) informed the forum about the accomplishments of Roshan Digital Account (RDA), “RDA has received very encouraging response from overseas Pakistanis from around the globe. Over 240,000 RDA accounts have been opened so far, with over USD 2.4 billion received in remittances through this channel. Pakistanis are one of the most charitable nations of the world. “Sadqah Jariyah” initiative sits in well with the giving spirit of both Resident and Non-resident Pakistanis.”

October 12, 2021October 13, 2021

Azhar is Pursuing His Dream Education

Karachi, October 12, 2021 (PPI-OT): The Citizens Foundation has always been committed in its mission to positively impact the future of its students, but 2019 marked a significant moment for the student body at TCF. The Professionals Academy of Commerce and TCF signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow five new students to enrol in PAC to study Chartered Accountancy every year. PAC has taken the responsibility of paying the tuition fee, the cost of books for TCF students and providing them with any facility that will help them complete their degree. Due to this partnership, TCF students now have the opportunity to pursue a Chartered Accountant certification from a top-notch institution in the country.

Presently six students from TCF are enrolled at PAC – amongst them is Azhar Saleem. Azhar completed his matriculation from TCF Secondary School 47/MB Jauharabad Campus and achieved a high score of 94%. His teachers always knew that he was destined for great things, and along with his Principal, hoped that Azhar would be able to pursue education that would help him become the best version of himself.

Azhar enrolled in Superior College Jauharabad for his intermediate and graduated with a respectable 75% and an A grade. After graduating, Azhar was at a crossroads. He knew that he wanted to pursue higher education and had a passion for becoming a chartered accountant; however, financial difficulties prevented him from pursuing his dreams.

Azhar’s elder brothers were already studying so there were limited finances to pay for his education. Someone had to begin earning for the family at home as well, so Azhar decided to be the one to sacrifice on his education. He moved to Lahore and joined a Pharmaceutical Company as a worker. He worked on machines and as a packer – both low skilled and low paying jobs with limited opportunity for growth, but because of a lack of alternatives Azhar had no choice but to begin working.

Azhar had made peace with his circumstances when the Alumni team at TCF reached out to him with an offer that would change his life – PAC was giving him the opportunity to pursue his dream of studying chartered accountancy. Azhar gladly accepted and has been a high performing student at PAC for the past two years.

After graduating, Azhar plans to begin his career by joining an accounting or auditing firm. He hopes to earn a good income to support his family, as well as his local community. His long-term aspiration is to start his own accounting and auditing firm that will ensure accountability and transparency in Pakistan. We are immensely grateful to PAC for their partnership with TCF and the potential it has to change the lives of our students through education.

October 8, 2021October 10, 2021

Empowering Girls to Dream

Karachi, October 08, 2021 (PPI-OT):As the first rays of the sun touch the water-starved village of Thario Halepoto in Tharparker, Sindh, 11-year-old Bakhtawar sets off for the long walk to the village well. There, in the stillness of the morning, she fills up her empty pitchers with water and hurriedly makes her way back home so she can get ready and be on time for school.

“Our village has its share of problems but things are slowly changing,” shares Mohammad Hasan, Bakhtawar’s father, who is a primary school teacher at a government boys school. “Until a few years ago, there wasn’t even a single school for girls nearby. I had to travel nearly 30-40 kilometres every day to take my daughters to school – something that most villagers would not do,” he recalls.

In 2018, when TCF opened its first school in the heart of the village, hundreds of young girls and boys were enrolled within a short period of time. Hasan’s two sons and his daughter Bakhtawar also go to the TCF school, which is only a short distance from their home. A student of Class 7, Bakhtawar dreams of becoming a teacher.

With an all-female faculty, balanced gender ratio and schools in the remotest areas of Pakistan, TCF is working to make education accessible to the less privileged girls. This International Day of The Girl, join us in giving more girls a chance to get an education and dream of a better future!

September 11, 2021

Nasreen can read and write!

Karachi, September 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):When Nasreen walked into a TCF School in Ibrahim Goth for her daughter’s admission, little did she know that she was about to embark on the most thrilling journey of her life. “I sat in the principal’s office across her desk while she explained the admission process for my daughter. Just when I thought I was done, Madam Shabnam, the Principal, leaned in and told me that she had something special for me – a place in TCF’s adult literacy programme, Aagahi. I hesitated at first, but then said yes,” revealed Nasreen.

After going through a basic Urdu literacy and numeracy course of 4 months as an Aagahi learner, today, Nasreen is able to read and write. “I never held a pencil in my hand until this day and now I can write. I can read labels, follow street signs and make simple calculations. I only went in to change my daughter’s life through education and in the process, mine changed too,” shared Nasreen with glittering eyes.