The Need
This is a unique programme introduced at Korangi Academy which specifically focuses on urban-rural integration in the field of education. The gap in education standard between city schools and educational institutions based in the urban areas is wide and is steadily growing. This has largely contributed to the urban-rural social divide that needs to be checked. While the problem, like many other social issues, is vast and requires measures at national level, the CDSS Governing Body has decided to initiate a program, which though limited in scale, would create a model that can be emulated elsewhere in the urban and rural areas.
Implementation
Under this special development programme, we contact schools based in rural areas and ask them to identify talented students and – provided their families are willing – provide them opportunities to study at the Korangi Academy.
Procedure
The scheme aims to select a total of 20 students every year through an admission process that includes entrance test, family interviews, school reports, etc. Selected students are then asked to undertake a one-year foundation course before they are admitted to Class VI. CDSS provides them hostel facilities including boarding and lodging. They are asked to pay nominal fee/charges at par with the other Korangi Academy students.
Commencement of Scheme
The scheme was launched in 2011-12, when the first batch of 20 students was selected from rural Sindh. The scheme has proved highly successful, considering the interest and performance of the students. The scheme will be gradually extended to other parts of the country from 2012-13 onwards.
