Education is the cornerstone of societal evolution and progress, holding a pivotal role when it is pursued with a clear purpose and objective. Nations can break free from the shadows of ignorance when they prioritize unbiased educational progress for all genders. It is a well-established fact that nations flourish when educated mothers raise their children, nurturing them to become valuable contributors to society, ultimately leading to the transformation of a country into a developed nation.
The foundation of this transformation lies in the education and upbringing of our girls, as empowered women are the master key to nation-building. Empowering women without providing them with quality education is an unattainable goal.
Al-Noor Trust was founded by Lt Gen Lehrasab Khan to follow his passion for providing quality education to children in a marginalized area – his native Village Jajja, Tehsil Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi. In an endeavour to uplift the deteriorating educational standards, particularly in this remote area, he vested himself in establishing Cadet College Jajja in 2001. His wife recognized the need to extend the same quality education to girls.
Thus, in 2011, their shared vision became a reality with the foundation of Al-Noor Girls Public School and College. This pioneering venture represents a significant leap forward in the realm of progressive and meaningful education for girls, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, as it seeks to transform the educational landscape for young girls and empower them to achieve their aspirations.
Moreover, the life’s mission of the founder of this institute is to make high-quality education available, accessible, and, most importantly, affordable to both the local and the extensive expatriate population in Jajja and throughout the country.
Residential Building for Girls and Staff
The college is designed to accommodate 200 female students. The academic program at the college spans from the 6th to the 12th grade (class 1 to 5 is for both boys and girls without hostel facility).The tireless and rigorous efforts dedicated to this noble cause of education are the need of the hour. The primary aim of this college is to provide equal opportunities for girls, enabling them to become valuable and successful professionals.
In this pursuit of educational excellence, this institute stands as a beacon of hope and a distinct privilege, dedicated to the noble cause of providing quality education to girls. This noble project holds lofty aspirations for young girls, providing them with a secure, state-of-the-art, and forward-thinking platform. This institution serves as a launching pad for them to pursue careers in Pakistan’s leading professional institutions, such as the Armed Forces, medical, engineering, IT universities, and civil services. The college is guided by highly trained and professional educators from both the Armed Forces and the civil sector.
At the heart of our educational mission is the unwavering commitment to instil strong ethical values of integrity, respect, and discipline in all our cadets. We believe in nurturing clarity of thought and decision-making- ing abilities, viewing it as a life-long process, essential for leading a life rooted in quality education and fostering good character. To achieve these lofty goals, Al Noor Girls Public School and College has designed a rigorous academic program based on the best practices of renowned residential institutions worldwide. This institution creates an environment that enables students to reach their maximum potential on an internationally competitive scale. The combination of excellent infrastructure- ture, highly qualified staff, and well-trained faculty members ensures that the students receive an enrich- ing and empowering educational ex- perience.
The credit goes to the founder and after that the hardworking principal and teachers – working day and night to attain their objectives. The following is the interview with the Principal, Shehnaz Kabir, MPhil in Zoology and previously worked in different cadet colleges.
Sitting Area for Staff
Experience as Principal in this Wonderful College
Working as the Principal here has been a truly fulfilling experience for me. What I find particularly satisfying is the freedom I have to make decisions that directly impact girls’ education. It’s crucial to me that we create a secure environment for both our students and teachers. Ensuring the safety of females working and studying here is a top priority, and this is something we take very seriously.
I am honoured to lead an institution that is committed to providing quality education to young girls and empowering them to become leaders and change-makers. Our mission revolves around academic excellence and nurturing students to become independent thinkers, confident learners, and responsible citizens.
It’s our goal to equip them with the mindset and skills necessary to integrate into a diverse and multicultural world. We firmly believe in instilling values of integrity, respect, and discipline, as these are the cornerstones of a successful life. Our academic program, combined with our dedicated staff and faculty members, creates an environment where our students can excel and realize their full potential.
Our institution is firmly committed to fostering academic excellence and nurturing students to become independent and perceptive thinkers, confident and enlightened learners, and socially responsible citizens. We aim to equip them with a mindset that can seamlessly interact and integrate with people from diverse races, cultures, and religions.
Motivation to Work in this Area as You Belong to Karachi
Although I belong to Karachi, I saw a great opportunity to serve this area. I believe that every girl, regardless of her background or location, deserves access to quality education. Working in a place like Jajja allows me to contribute to the betterment of girls’ education in a region that may not always have the same opportunities as larger cities. I feel content in contributing to a noble cause initiated by Lt Gen Lehrasab. I would like to continue forever here as this place has provided me with a secure and free environment to grow professionally and implement a strategy that I feel is best for girls‘ education.
Remarks on Quality of Education in this College
The quality of education we provide is something we take immense pride in. We are dedicated to offering support to marginalized students, which is not always an easy task.
One of our significant challenges is convincing parents to invest in their daughters’ education, especially in a region where people are sometimes reluctant to do so. While the results might not always be as bright as we hope, our commitment to improving girls’ education in this area remains unwavering. Our school provides excellent facilities, especially when it comes to laboratories. These well-equipped labs are a significant part of our educational experience. They help us not only understand our subjects better but also foster our curiosity and passion for learning.
Medical Center for Girls
Facilities Provided in the College and Ensuring a Safe Environment for Girls
We’ve taken significant steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We provide facilities like a mess and hostel for girls, which make it a secure place for them to live and study. These facilities also help us focus on extracurricular activities and provide an all-encompassing educational experience.
Merit is something we strictly follow here to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the future. Our faculty residence is also on-site, though it can be challenging to retain teachers in this area. We put considerable effort into extracurricular activities to help our students realize their full potential for a brighter future. Activities like extemporaneous speeches, social nights, drama presentations, debates, language classes, and more in still long-term traits, boost confidence, and nurture leadership qualities.
We also provide them with medical services and a doctor is available 24/7 here. We are taking good care of our students and providing them with facilities that are not typically available in this remote area.
Chemistry Laboratory in the school
Vision for Future
My vision for the future of our school is to continue striving for excellence in girls’ education. I hope to see more girls from this area not only access quality education but also utilize it to create better futures for themselves and contribute positively to society. We are determined to keep working on convincing parents and the community of the value of girls’ education.
We aim to break down the reluctance and barriers that might exist and create a safe and empowering space for girls to thrive and achieve their dreams. Her interview showed her dedication and commitment to the cause of girls‘ education. The students there work hard to attain their goals in professional life.
One of the students, Alina Khan in 11th Grade, has got this opportunity because of her mother’s employment at Pathfinder Group – an initiative of Co-Chairman, Ikram Sehgal, to sponsor the education of employees’ children at the Jajja Education Complex on a merit basis; Cadet College Jajja (for Boys) and Al Noor Girls Public School and College. She is a brilliant student and shared her experience as follows:
Alina Khan: I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of Al Noor Girls Public School and College. This institution has not only provided me with a top-notch education but has also nurtured my character and ethics. The school’s focus on academic excellence and ethical values has made me a better, more confident individual. I’ve been fortunate to maintain an A+ grade throughout my academic journey. I particularly enjoy studying English books; they allow me to explore new worlds and ideas, expanding my horizons.
I believe that the education and skills I’ve gained here will prepare me to excel not only in my future academic endeavours but also in my life beyond school.
I am eager to study in the United States because I have always wanted to go abroad for higher studies in the field of medicine. After completing my education in this college I am sure I can get admission to a renowned institute. The opportunities for personal growth and the bonds of friendship formed here are truly invaluable. This is a second home to me. The school’s emphasis on ethics, discipline, and character development has had a profound impact on my life. Living at the school with my friends has been a unique experience. I can genuinely say that we have a fantastic bond. We don’t fight; we support each other. I feel like I’m part of a community that not only supports my academic aspirations but also encourages me to be a responsible and ethical citizen.
The friendly and caring atmosphere at our school makes me excited about coming to class every day, and I genuinely believe that the education and values I’m gaining here will help me become a positive force in society. I like my teachers as they guide me and resolve issues.
Our teachers play a crucial role in creating a caring and nurturing environment. While I do miss home, I also find joy and happiness in living with my friends here.
Room Inside Girls‘ Hostel
Focus Group Discussion with Students
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with students was held at Al-Noor Girls Public School and College, bringing together student representatives from various classes, including 10th, 11th, and 8th graders.
The students expressed their aspirations and experiences, and their collective enthusiasm was both inspiring and reflective of the school’s nurturing environment.
Many students voiced their ambitions to become doctors or join the Army, showcasing their dedication to pursuing noble professions that contribute to the betterment of society.
The feedback regarding the boarding school experience was overwhelmingly positive. The students described their stay as comfortable and highlighted the cooperative atmosphere among their peers. They spoke highly of their teachers, emphasizing their caring and effective teaching methods. For these young learners, subjects like Mathematics and Biology stood out as favourites, showing their enthusiasm for academics.
Furthermore, the students shared that the school provided wonderful learning opportunities, both within and outside the classroom. They were satisfied with the laboratory equipment and facilities. They appreciated the focus on extracurricular activities and credited their teachers for imparting knowledge engagingly and constructively.
It was evident from this discussion that the school has successfully created an environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to excel in their studies and personal growth.
Top: Focus Group Discussion with Students at the Library, Bottom: Students in Classrom
Upon entering the institute, one steps into an entirely different world, distinct from the surrounding underprivileged neighbourhood.
Inside, the atmosphere is one of contentment, happiness, and unwavering motivation among the girls, as they strive to achieve their life’s aspirations.
Institutions like Al Noor Girls Public School and College have laid a foundation for a brighter future and prosperity. In Pakistan, we need more institutions like this for girls. This is a pivotal moment to invest in girls‘ education so that half of the population can be streamlined in the economy of Pakistan.
Women in Pakistan can contribute to changing the destiny of the country – if given equal opportunities and freedom to education and work.
As the global power dynamics shift towards the East, Pakistan’s progression and prosperity are increasingly intertwined with geo-economics and regional connectivity. Embracing these elements and prioritizing the inclusion of women in the economy are key steps in fostering a progressive Pakistan.
