Princess Zahra Aga Khan attends ceremony to commence the construction of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Garamchashma
On 25 May 2024, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, along with her son, Mr Iliyan Boyden, attended a ceremony to commence the construction of a new school, the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Garamchashma, in Chitral, Pakistan.
The event was held at the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Seenlasht and was attended by representatives from the Aga Khan Development Network, Ismaili local, regional and national council leadership, donors, students, and staff. Head Teacher Mr Tufail Nawaz welcomed the guests and led them on a tour of the school, which included a student performance and an opportunity to engage with Grade 9 students.
Princess Zahra and Mr Iliyan were then invited to a tree planting ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction of the new school in Garamchashma. After the event, the tree sapling was transported to the site of the new school.
The following week, senior leadership of the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan, local government officials, donors and members of the Ismaili regional council held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new school in Garamchashma.
The new higher secondary school will provide approximately 1,300 students access to quality education upon completion, with the possibility of running the school in two shifts to double the capacity. The design of the school will enhance students’ learning experiences and encourage inquiry, experimentation and innovation among the students. It will feature spacious classrooms, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, modern IT and science labs, a large library, a multi-purpose hall, and other academic spaces. Moreover, the seismic-resistant building will incorporate elements of green design, or sustainable design, to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
The Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Garamchashma is expected to be completed by 2027.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Princess Zahra participating in the tree planting ceremony with a donor.
- Students performed a musical recital for Princess Zahra during her tour of the school.
- Princess Zahra and Mr Iliyan with some students and staff of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Seenlasht.
- Groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Garamchashma.
