Ground-breaking ceremonies for three school buildings a part of AKES, Pakistan
Ground-breaking ceremonies for schools in Chitral marked the commencement of construction for three more state-of-the-art school buildings.
The Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Pakistan held ground-breaking ceremonies for three new, state-of-the-art buildings that will be added to three of their campuses in Chitral. These additional buildings will not only increase educational access for Grade 11 and 12 students from surrounding towns and distant villages, but will also offer enhanced quality of learning for the younger students already attending the schools.
There are currently more than 150 AKES, Pakistan schools operating in the country, with a total enrolment of more than 50,000 students. The three new school buildings will upgrade the existing AKES, Pakistan schools in Mastuj, Booni and Torkhow to include Aga Khan Higher Secondary Schools. These additions will increase capacity by 1,500 students in a single shift and enable older students in the area to complete their higher secondary education.
The new infrastructure is designed to enhance the learning experience with multi-purpose and flexible learning spaces, such as additional classrooms, science and ICT labs, libraries and more, reflecting the rapid changes in teaching methodologies. It will facilitate students to question, explore and collaborate, which are necessary foundational skills to equip students to meet the complex challenges of the modern era.
The ground-breaking ceremonies featured remarks from President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan Hafiz Sherali, who highlighted AKES, Pakistan’s commitment to providing modern facilities to strengthen students’ learning experience, in addition to maintaining a high standard of education. He also expressed his hope that the students studying in these schools will excel and realise their dreams and potential.
Planned over 72,500 square feet, the new facilities have been designed as ‘green buildings’ that will work in harmony with the local environment. Solar panels will be installed to provide renewable energy, while insulated building material and the use of natural light and air will ensure minimal energy consumption and carbon footprint. The structures will also be seismic-resistant and act as shelters for surrounding communities in the event of natural disasters.
The expansions at the three campuses will be completed by 2024.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Ground-breaking ceremony at the Aga Khan School, Mastuj
- Ground-breaking ceremony at the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Torkhow
- President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan Hafiz Sherali delivering a speech at the Aga Khan School, Booni's ground-breaking ceremony
