ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Federal Education has decided to expand the ‘School on Wheels’ project by adding two more buses to reach more children in rural areas of Islamabad.
Federal Secretary for Education, Nadeem Mahbub, reviewed the project’s progress and expressed satisfaction during his visit to one of the mobile classrooms. After learning that only two buses are currently operating, he directed the addition of two new vehicles to extend the programme’s outreach.
According to an official press release, the initiative was launched in early 2023 on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide quality education to children in underserved communities.
Over the past two years, the project has been delivering learning opportunities directly to children’s doorsteps who face barriers in accessing schools.
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During his visit, the education secretary appreciated the dedication and creativity of the teachers working under the project. He said the “School on Wheels” model demonstrates how education outreach can effectively be expanded to reach every child.
The secretary also instructed that the new mobile schools, equipped with air-conditioning, modern learning materials, and internet-connected interactive boards, be used to support Early Childhood Education (ECE) in slum and rural areas. Special funds will be provided for this purpose.
“These mobile classrooms will help young learners gain foundational skills vital for their cognitive and social development,” the statement added.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had inaugurated the initiative in February 2023 with two buses, saying it would help increase literacy rates, especially in rural regions. He had also announced plans to expand the project to other parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme is being run by the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). An official said the government aims to expand the fleet to eight buses in the future as part of the original plan. Instructional guides for teachers have been prepared under the National Curriculum of Pakistan for Early Childhood Care and Education.
