Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has significantly expanded Punjab’s education and nutrition initiatives during a visit to Bhakkar district. The cornerstone of this effort is the launch of the School Meal Program in a new district, aimed at bolstering child development.
Key Initiatives and Announcements
The visit marked several critical announcements for the region’s educational infrastructure:
- New Daanish School: A Daanish School was inaugurated in Mankera, equipped with modern facilities like a computer lab and girls’ hostel.
- Program Expansion: The School Meal Program was launched at Government Primary School Kisanwala, a key step to improve daily nutrition for students.
- School Upgrades: Immediate orders were issued to upgrade Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala to an elementary school, and to elevate schools in Kari and Noorpur Shah to high school level.
Sustainability and Impact
A highlight of the visit was the promotion of sustainable practices. The Chief Minister praised the innovative use of recycled milk cartons to create durable school furniture.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat provided concrete data on the impact:
- Over 200,000 milk packs are recycled into desks, notebooks, and pencils.
- The School Meal Program now operates in 8,319 schools across 13 districts.
- This initiative has led to a 28% increase in student enrollment.
- Currently, 13,197 students are enrolled across 20 Daanish Schools.
Community Engagement and Condolences
Beyond policy, the visit involved direct community interaction. The Chief Minister distributed lunch boxes, celebrated students’ birthdays, and encouraged children to study with confidence and diligence.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz condemned recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus-truck collision in Lodhran.
