It all started when we watched a series of documentaries that showed the abysmal state of primary education in the country. We decided we ought to do more than just 'feel sorry' for a change, and that the concern ought to translate itself into action, even if it is small. The concern was shared and we got together a small team of like-minded people as well as experts with some prior experience or interest in the field who suggested using technology t make quality education accessible to Pakistan's school goers While it is argued that the lack of government funding and attention explains this state of affairs, the task of bringing improvement and reform cannot solely be handed over to the government. We as Pakistani citizens wish to do whatever we can in our capacities to bring quality to school education. The most serious problem in the primary education sector is the dearth of good teachers. Either teachers are absent altogether or are unqualified to teach their subject. However, there also exist in the country veteran school teachers with years of experience behind them. Sadly, though, there never has been any serious attempt to preserve what they have to offer, and as such their legacy is gradually disappearing altogether. VEFA is an attempt to: i) search out and preserve the knowledge and skills of Pakistan's best teachers and make it accessible for all through the use of technology. ii) help bring about improvement in the education being given to primary school goers in Pakistan by giving them access to virtual education resources. In future, we see VEFA's network of MIRAS virtual resource academies spreading in the country, 'inshallah'. We hope to get funding and technical support from those who appreciate the vision and see in it an effective solution to what is wrong with primary education in Pakistan. We hope to get on board committed individuals as volunteers to carry the work forward. VEFA's first MIRAS weekend academy is all set to be launched in July 2011 at Lahore inshallah. This pilot project shall be the first venture of its kind and the progress of our first batch of students will be monitored to assess the success of this work. We hope participating students will gain not only in textbook knowledge but will develop a deeper awareness of relevant issues. VEFA aspires to develop among students a sound grasp over concepts, values and the application in the wider world, of the knowledge imparted to them. 'Like' our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/VEFAPakistan Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VEFAPK

• published: 21 Jun 2011
• views: 571