Accelerated Learning Pathway / Accelerated Learning Program

The Elementary & Secondary Education Foundation (ESEF) is an autonomous body of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to reach every part of the province without access to educational facilities. In order to achieve the goal of "No more out of school", ESEF has launched a range of programs to manage out-of-school children (OOSC) through non-formal education methods. These programs include:

  • Girl Community Schools (GCS)
  • New School Initiative (NSI)
  • Education Support Scheme (ESS)
  • Participatory Online Home learning Alternatives (POHA)
  • Other related initiatives

All of these programs are designed to provide affordable access to children to help them get to school. According to available data from BISP 2021-22 and PIE 2022-23, more than 4.9 million children are out of school in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 82% of them recently crossing the age limit for admission into the formal education system.

To address this challenge and bring these children back to school, ESEF has initiated the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), which provides a second chance for children to pursue education through a condensed curriculum. ALP enables students to complete the national single curriculum in half the actual time, offering a flexible and inclusive study plan that helps them overcome educational gaps.

The curriculum is designed by considering various challenges such as gender inequality, family obligations, poverty, strict schedules, and education expenses. This creative strategy ensures that underprivileged children, especially girls, have access to education and a brighter future.

The local community is actively involved in the establishment of ALP centers through a community committee. The committee helps by:

  • Providing free space with necessary facilities
  • Selecting teachers and facilitators from local female graduates
  • Identifying out-of-school children in the area

ESEF has made all the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) resources available online on its official website for the benefit of other implementing partners and individuals. Additionally, a broad-based "Technical Working Committee of NFE" has been formed by the E&SE Department to ensure the project's success and to resolve planning and execution challenges.

This committee includes:

  • Government agencies
  • Donors
  • National and international NGOs
  • Other implementing partners