The Role & Strategies of Non Formal Education for Education Access to Marginalized Community

Abstract

In Pakistan, about 22.8 million children of school going age are out of school which is very alarming situation and second highest number in the World. Major portion of these OOSCs belong to deprived, marginalized community of Pakistan. Although Pakistan has promised under article 25A to educate all the boys and girls age of school going children but this yet not to be meet due to financial constraints. So to fill this gap an alternative comprehensive system is needed. Non Formal Education is recognized and understood as cost effective and flexible system to fill this gap. In context of Pakistan, despite of recognition of NFE, it has not received due attention due to lack political interest. However, in last few years it is seen progress in this sector and a Non Formal Education Policies are developed at province level e.g. Punjab Non Formal Education Policy and Sindh Non Formal Education Policy. The aim of study was to explore the strategies of Non Formal Education for education access to underprivileged community and its effectiveness in Punjab. The research was conducted in 100 NFBE schools in three districts of Punjab. It was a Quantitative survey research to explore the strategies, and impact of NFBE schools on community. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data was collected from officers, teachers, students and their parents. Data was collected through Questionnaires. It was found that NFE system was imparting cost effective, affordable, flexible, inclusive education at door step of deprived and marginalized community. It was recommended to allocate the more funds to scale up NFE system to cater the all OOSC. It was also recommended to amend and implement the Literacy Act 1987.