Amir Public School Update

Recently, ADP volunteer Arsalan Mushtaq conducted a site visit to Amir Public School in Kalaskey, Gujranwala. Here are the summarized findings from his report. For recent project pictures, visit the project page or see the album on Facebook.

Amir Public School provides free cost tuition, books and uniform to 156 students from Nursery to the 5^th grade.  Each class is between 35-40 students; on this particular visit, the attendance for 4^th and 5^th graders was low and the senior classes were combined.  There are 29 students in the playgroup.  One teacher (with a Master’s degree) and one assistant teacher (B.A.) were hired; both are committed and plan to work with the school on a long-term basis.  The teachers will also receive training during the summer months.

It wasn’t possible to gauge the standard of education due to lack of time, however, teachers were encouraged to enhance student confidence by integrating a more interactive approach.  The junior classes are based on a private curriculum and the Punjab Board Curriculum is being used to teach the 5^th grade class.  New books have not yet been issued to the students, as they still have to be bound.  The school is transitioning from using the Urdu medium of instruction to English, and currently 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd grades are being taught in English.

Students were dressed neatly with their well-maintained uniforms.  Conversations with students hinted that they were content with the learning environment and their parents were also enthusiastic about the school.  The school maintains a positive relationship with the students’ parents by conducting Parent’s day and inviting them for parent-teacher meetings.  Extracurricular activities such as workshops and movie/game days are held periodically.  The school also organizes a summer camp during the vacation period.

Amir Davis reported in May that construction for the rooms was almost complete. Fitting for doors and windows, along with plaster and flooring will also be completed soon.  The principal claimed that the new classrooms will be completed in May, however, that seems to be a premature target and it may take longer than expected.  Paint, furniture and electrical wiring are included in the items funded by ADP, which will be pursued during the second phase of construction.  The school is in dire need of tables in existing classes and the play area.

The school has procured additional land and aims to expand to middle/high school level in the future.  We have gone slightly over the budget with the difference of Rs 32,000. This fluctuation is due to the recent hike in Petrol/Diesel prices.

Another piece of good news is that Amir Davis, the founder of Amir Public School, has won the Intel Global Hero award where 150 nominees participated globally. This means a $10,000 cash award to the cause.  Amir will be flying to the US to receive this prestigious award from CEO of Intel Corporation, Mr. Paul Otellini. Here’s a short video put together by APS:

Since Arsalan Mushtaq’s site visit, progress has been made on various fronts. Amir Davis reported that funds have been received and sent a breakdown of their distribution:

He also reported that furnishings of rooms have been successfully completed. More information can be found in Amir Public School’s monthly progress report.