The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) is a revolutionary organization committed to transforming the education sector in Punjab, Pakistan. Established in 1991, PEF operates under the vision of providing high-quality, free, and accessible education to underprivileged and marginalized communities across the province. Its mission is to empower children and youth through education, fostering socio-economic development and uplifting the overall quality of life in Punjab.

Core Objectives

PEF’s objectives are centered around addressing educational disparities and enhancing learning outcomes. The foundation aims to:

• Provide free education to children in underserved and low-income communities.
• Partner with private schools to improve educational access and quality.
• Promote gender equality by encouraging female education.
• Innovate teaching methodologies through teacher training and curriculum development.
• Reduce dropout rates by incentivizing enrollment and attendance.

Key Programs and Initiatives

PEF operates through a range of initiatives designed to maximize educational outreach and impact:

1. Foundation Assisted Schools (FAS)
   • Under this program, PEF collaborates with low-cost private schools to deliver free education.
   • Partner schools receive financial and academic support to ensure quality education for enrolled students.
2. New School Program (NSP)
   • NSP establishes new schools in remote and underserved areas where no educational facilities exist.
   • The program ensures that children in these regions have access to basic education.
3. Education Voucher Scheme (EVS)
   • EVS targets children from economically disadvantaged families who are unable to afford private school fees.
   • Through this scheme, PEF provides vouchers that cover tuition costs at partner schools.
4. Continuous Professional Development Program (CPDP)
   • This initiative focuses on training and developing teachers to enhance their instructional skills and classroom effectiveness.
   • It ensures that educators are equipped with modern pedagogical techniques.
5. Quality Assurance and Monitoring
   • PEF implements a robust monitoring system to ensure that partner schools maintain high standards of education.
   • Regular assessments and evaluations are conducted to measure performance and compliance.

Achievements

Over the years, PEF has made remarkable strides in improving education in Punjab:

• Reached millions of students across thousands of partner schools.
• Significantly increased enrollment in rural and underdeveloped areas.
• Empowered girls by providing them with access to free education.
• Enhanced teaching standards through continuous training and development.
• Contributed to reducing literacy gaps in Punjab, achieving greater inclusion.