ISLAMABAD, May 22: Zong has partnered with Alkhidmat Foundation to expand access to primary education in underserved areas of Tharparkar, Sindh, by establishing climate-resilient community schools in remote villages.

The Zong community school initiative aims to provide safe and accessible learning spaces for children in areas where poverty, limited infrastructure and long distances have restricted access to formal education, especially for girls.

Under the partnership, Chownra Schools have been established in Chopni Wasai Pota in Mithi and Sono Ki Dhani in Islamkot. The schools are now providing primary education to around 80 students from underserved communities, with attendance rates reaching nearly 85 percent.

According to the company, the project was based on community assessments conducted in 2025 and focused on improving local education infrastructure through the construction and renovation of climate-resilient school facilities.

The initiative also included furniture, learning materials, sanitation facilities and secure boundary walls to create safer and more child-friendly learning environments.

Pakistan continues to face a major education access challenge, with an estimated 25.1 million children aged 5 to 16 out of school. In remote districts such as Tharparkar, dispersed settlements, poverty and socio-cultural barriers continue to affect school enrollment and attendance.

Nabila Yazdani, Head of Strategy, Communications and Sustainability at Zong, said the partnership with Alkhidmat Foundation is aimed at enabling access to safe and quality learning environments in underserved areas of Tharparkar.

Dr. Syed Tabassum Jaffri, President of Alkhidmat Foundation Sindh, said the establishment of the schools is an important step toward improving access to quality education in remote communities.

The initiative is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education and reduced inequalities, and reflects a broader effort to support inclusive community development in underserved parts of Pakistan.

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