Meeting finalizes strategy for identification of out-of-school children

A high-level meeting was convened here under the chairmanship of KP Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub Khan, to deliberate upon the identification of out-of-school children, data mapping, and strengthening interdepartmental coordination

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) A high-level meeting was convened here under the chairmanship of KP Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub Khan, to deliberate upon the identification of out-of-school children, data mapping, and strengthening interdepartmental coordination.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Elementary and Secondary education Department, Muhammad Khalid; Education Advisor (Education Sector Reforms Unit); Managing Director, Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation; Chief Planning Officer; Additional Secretary (Reforms and Implementation); representatives of UNICEF; and senior officials from the Local Government Department, Social Welfare Department, Health Department, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, along with other relevant stakeholders.

The participants unanimously agreed to implement a comprehensive and coordinated action plan through close collaboration among the Local Government, Social Welfare, Health, and Elementary and Secondary Education Departments.

The plan encompasses the identification of out-of-school children, verification and validation of data, assessment of ground realities, and the formulation of joint interventions to effectively address the underlying challenges.

Detailed deliberations were undertaken on the development of a robust, province-wide strategy aimed at accurate identification of out-of-school children. This includes geographic and digital mapping, analysis of socio-economic indicators, and examination of the key factors contributing to school non-enrollment.

The participants were also briefed on the establishment of an integrated data management system, survey methodologies, and structured mechanisms for interdepartmental data sharing and coordination.