The academic world stands witness to several occasions when Pakistani students stunned their peers, international counterparts, and even their mentors by not only acing but also setting unimaginably high standards of success in numerous international examinations and certifications. There is no doubt that these success stories make us feel proud as a nation, but more importantly, they also serve as a source of motivation for people who want to use their skills for the betterment of Pakistan. Rohayl Varind is one such motivated and dedicated individual whose name is worth mentioning when it comes to the select few humanitarians that want to make a difference, academically. He is credited with proposing and single-handedly bringing the concept of Students Learning Under the Moon SLUM School — the first ever Solar-Powered Night School in Pakistan — to life.
While the government of Pakistan is taking every possible measure to promote education and ensure that every child in Pakistan has unhindered access to quality education, the private sector, including the NGOs and NPOs operating in the country, have historically always lent tremendous support to this worthy cause. Two well-known and proven examples include the many initiatives to promote education in Pakistan by The Citizens Foundation and the ILM Possible campaign, a joint effort by the EAC and the British Council in Pakistan.
Similarly, Ruhayl Varind — an award-winning entrepreneur, social activist, and educationist — has laid the foundations of something extraordinary for the next generation in the form of a solar night school.
More about SLUM School
Over 22 million children in Pakistan don’t go to schools, mostly because of the fact that they live in rural parts of the country with limited or no access to educational resources, and also because of poverty. As most of these children never go to a school, they instead end up being used as child labour.
SLUM School, which is an internationally recognized solar school in Pakistan, has been playing an extraordinary role in educating out-of-school children in Pakistan since it became operational in 2016. It is an education system designed specifically for underprivileged Pakistani students, ensuring their right to education. It is the first ever solar night school that entirely uses solar fans and lights at night to educate children who usually are working during the day.
Located in the slum of Faisalabad, the school not only focuses on educating children, but it also teaches them ethics and manners to help them gel in with the greater society. The school operates somewhat in the open, where teachers are provided a whiteboard to write and explain educational concepts to children. However, the floor is carpeted with a large piece of cloth for children to sit.
The school starts after sunset, usually around 7 pm in the evening. Currently, over 100 students are being taught at the solar night school where books, school bags, food, clothes, and stationery are provided for free.
Regular Visits by the Founder, Rohayl Varind
Rohayl Varind, the founder himself, visits the school daily for at least two hours to keep a regular check on the progress of students. According to him, the motive behind SLUM school, which is his philanthropic venture, is to enable out-of-school children in Pakistan to at least get basic education and academic knowledge.
Promoting IT Education among Underprivileged Pakistani Students
It is nearly impossible to use the latest technologies to your advantage without acquiring IT knowledge. SLUM school acknowledges this fact and is paying attention to it. Children studying at solar night school are also taught the basics of IT, including hardware, graphics, and word processing software.
Commencement of Engaging Activities
Along with providing free education in Pakistan, Slum School retains the interest of children studying at Slum School, fun and entertainment activities are organized regularly. These activities include Sports Day, Family Day, Eid Milan Parties, and Sports and Martial Art Competitions. The competitions are usually followed by award distribution ceremonies where students are awarded chocolates, biscuits, clothes, and other gifts to appreciate their efforts.
An Alternative Education System in Pakistan
SLUM school is an alternative education system for children who are deprived of their fundamental right to education. By educating these kids, the school is creating opportunities for them to escape poverty. Children attending the school are taught graphic designing and various other types of digital courses to help children earn their livelihood more respectably.
Covered by the National and International Media
The name of SLUM School has been highlighted in various news stories and articles by many national as well as international media houses, news agencies, and organisations. These include BBC News, Gulf News, World Economic Forum, Voice of America Urdu, TRT World, Quartz, National Geographic, Xeuhua, ARY News, GEO News, Daily Pakistan, and Jang Publications.
What Type of Donation Does the SLUM School Accept?
This solar school in Pakistan does not accept cash donations but welcomes donations in the form of food items, IT products like laptops, projectors and tablets, stationery, and solar equipment. Moreover, the management of SLUM school encourages people to send the children working as a domestic help at their homes to the school so they can acquire some life skills for their future. This is how it promotes the concept of free education in Pakistan.
Contact Info of The SLUM School
Address: Slum School, Canal Road, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Phone: +92 3360724665 (Whatsapp)
Email: rohaylvarind@gmail.com / info@slumschool.org
There are many organizations serving humanity in Pakistan. Take Edhi Foundation for instance. It operates the largest ambulance service in Pakistan and has been championing humanity for decades. Individual, as well as collective efforts, are required at our end to introduce positive changes in our society. SLUM School is one of the best examples in this regard where an individual has set out with a pure and sole intent to make a difference.
For more interesting and thought-provoking content, stay tuned to Zameen Blog – Pakistan’s leading lifestyle blog.
*Images of this blog have been sourced from Official Facebook Page of SLUM School.
