Summary:
The second phase of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme (ADLP) in Sindh has been launched, aiming to expand educational access for 30,000 out-of-school children. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah urged private entities to collaborate, promising matching government contributions for adopted schools. This initiative will establish 200 new digital “Micro Schools” to tackle Sindh’s significant challenge of out-of-school children, building on the success of the pilot phase.
The second phase of a project for out-of-school children in Sindh launched recently, marked by the rollout of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme (ADLP) Phase II. This initiative aims to tackle the significant challenge of children lacking access to formal education across the province. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called upon private organizations and individuals to actively participate in this crucial educational drive.
During the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) programme for ADLP Phase II, CM Shah announced that the government would match contributions from any private entity or individual who adopts a school under the program. A new school bearing their name would be established for every institution adopted. This collaborative approach seeks to significantly expand the reach and impact of the ADLP.
Expanding Digital Learning for Out-of-School Children
The Accelerated Digital Learning Programme, initially launched in August 2023, leverages digital technology to deliver quality education. It particularly targets remote and underserved communities using “Micro Schools” for out-of-school children and digital classrooms for flexible learning. This innovative model addresses both teacher shortages and infrastructure deficits.
Chief Minister Shah highlighted the alarming statistics: approximately 22.6 million children are out of school nationwide, with a staggering seven million residing in Sindh alone. “This is why the Sindh government, in collaboration with the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), has decided to launch phase II of the Accelerated Digital Learning Programme,” he stated at the launch ceremony at CM House. SindhNews.com reports more details on the event.
In this next phase of the project for out-of-school children in Sindh, plans are in motion to establish 200 new “Micro Schools” over the upcoming two fiscal years. Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah confirmed that 100 new centers have already been made operational and inaugurated by the chief minister, with a further 100 expected in 2026–27. This expansion is set to provide digital learning access to approximately 30,000 out-of-school children, significantly widening the programme’s footprint.
Shafiq Khan, CEO and founder of Teach the World Foundation, a key partner, emphasized their commitment. “We believe that our single greatest issue is the vast number of children who are out of school,” he remarked, describing their solution as tackling teacher shortages with game-based tablet curricula and school deficits via low-cost Micro Schools. The pilot project successfully established 125 digital schools in less than 18 months.
An independent firm’s midterm evaluation of the ADLP pilot programme indicates substantial progress. It revealed the establishment of 100 Micro-Schools and 25 In-School digital classrooms, collectively enrolling over 11,000 children. These Micro-Schools operate in single-room community centers, strategically placed in low-income urban and peri-urban areas, offering four daily shifts of two-hour, self-paced, tablet-based digital learning. The evaluation also highlighted notable improvements in foundational learning among participants, with girls outperforming boys, illustrating a positive impact on gender equity.
The successful inauguration of 100 new schools by the Chief Minister signifies a crucial step forward. This continued expansion of the project for out-of-school children in Sindh underscores a dedicated effort to bridge educational gaps and empower a new generation through accessible digital learning.