Karachi’s ‘Footpath School’ Is Giving Wings to Innocent Dreams

Established under a flyover, the Footpath School is providing free education to children of low-income families.

The ‘Footpath School’ in Karachi, Pakistan. (Screengrab: AP)

Each of these children in Karachi, Pakistan, hold a dream, but will these dreams culminate into reality without education?

The ‘Footpath School’ in Karachi has realised the importance of protecting these little dreams by providing free education to children of low-income families.

My parents could not afford to send me to school. We have a big family and we live in a rented house. That is why my mother got me admitted to this school 

Shagufta Nafees, student, Footpath School   

Established under a flyover and whizzed by traffic noise, these children face a lot of problems while continuing with their classes.

All the sound pollution and noise due to traffic is very disturbing. Often, the children cannot hear what I am saying. Most of the children are from the streets, while the rest are from low-income families. But, they are extremely hard-working and we are positive that they will do great things in the future     

Sana Riaz, teacher, Footpath School

The Footpath School under the flyover. (Screengrab: AP)

Pakistan has a high number of children out of school.

The Pakistan Educational Statistics 2015-16 Report found that of 51.17 million children, 22.64 million children aged between five and 16-years-old do not go to school.

Faiza Inayat, who heads the British Council's 'I’m-Possible' project, said that especially for girls, one of the key issues is safety and security, as there are no walls, drinking water facility, or even toilets in the school.

The Footpath School is giving hope and wings to these street children and their innocent dreams.

Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim

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