Summary:
- Community members demand inclusive and gender-responsive education planning.
- Town Hall meeting organized by Pakistan Coalition for Education in Lahore.
- Elected representatives pledge to address education-related issues.
Community members at a Town Hall meeting in Lahore emphasized the need for gender-responsive, resilient, and inclusive education planning. Organized by the Pakistan Coalition for Education (PCE) and supported by the Society for Access to Quality Education (SAQE), Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), and Social Development Initiatives (SDI), the event aimed to bridge the gap between policymakers and the community.
Areebah Shahid, Executive Director of PYCA, stressed the importance of ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and acted upon. Laraib Kiani of PCE highlighted the Town Hall as a platform for meaningful dialogue to enhance inclusivity in education.
Kanwal Liaquat, a local representative, acknowledged the urgent need for a post-primary public school in the area and committed to making education more accessible, especially for girls. She urged the community to prioritize education and advocate for it at various forums.
Mian Abdul Waheed echoed the need for collective action to remove barriers to education. Mian Shahid Nadeem of SDI emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration between the government and civil society.
Approximately 100 community members participated, reflecting strong interest in improving educational opportunities.
