Zong Expands Access to Education in Tharparkar Through Community School Initiative

Zong, Pakistan’s leading technology service enterprise, has partnered with Alkhidmat Foundation to strengthen access to primary education in underserved communities of Tharparkar, Sindh, through the establishment of climate-resilient community schools. This initiative is focused on creating safe, inclusive, sustainable and accessible learning environments that support uninterrupted education for children living in remote areas.

Access to education remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing development challenges. An estimated 25.1 million children, aged 5 to 16, remain out of school, representing nearly 35% of the country’s school-age population. In remote districts such as Tharparkar, poverty, dispersed settlements, limited infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers continue to restrict access to quality learning opportunities, especially for girls.

To help address these challenges, Zong and Alkhidmat Foundation established Chownra Schools in remote villages of Tharparkar, including Chopni Wasai Pota in Mithi and Sono Ki Dhani in Islamkot, where access to formal education was previously limited. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing inclusive growth by expanding access to quality education and strengthening opportunities for underserved communities.

Based on community assessments conducted in 2025, the initiative focused on enhancing local educational infrastructure through the construction and renovation of climate-resilient school facilities. The project also included the provision of furniture, learning materials, sanitation facilities, and secure boundary walls to create safe, supportive, and child-friendly learning spaces.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, Quality Education and SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, the initiative reflects how shared partnerships can contribute to equitable development and long-term community resilience.

Today, these schools are providing primary education for approximately 80 students from underserved communities, with attendance rates reaching nearly 85%. By bringing education closer to home, the initiative is helping reduce access barriers to learning, promote greater inclusion, particularly for girls, and support long-term socio-economic progress in the region.

Speaking about the initiative, Nabila Yazdani, Head of Strategy, Communications and Sustainability at Zong, said: “Zong strongly believes that access to education is a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable community development. Through our partnership with Alkhidmat Foundation, we are enabling access to safe, resilient and quality learning environments in the underserved areas of Tharparkar. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering children, especially girls, through education, while fostering long-term socio-economic progress and more resilient communities.”

Dr. Syed Tabassum Jaffri, President of Alkhidmat Foundation Sindh, added: “Zong’s continued support for humanitarian and community development initiatives reflects a strong commitment toward inclusive growth and sustainable impact. Our partnership has evolved into a meaningful collaboration focused on serving underserved communities across Sindh through healthcare, education, and welfare initiatives. The establishment of these schools marks an important step in strengthening access to quality education in remote areas and empowering communities through long-term development.”

By investing in education, Zong continues to advance initiatives that promote inclusive growth and create long-term social impact. Through strategic partnerships and community-focused development efforts, the company remains committed to expanding access to opportunities for underserved populations across Pakistan, contributing towards a more equitable, empowered, and digitally inclusive future.