- Punjab government to establish two new schools for transgender individuals in Lahore, located in Raiwind and Wagah, adding to the existing school near Barkat Market.
- The School Education Department (SED) will provide free books, stationery, uniforms, and an Rs10,000 scholarship to each student, contingent on maintaining 80% attendance.
- This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote inclusive education, with similar schools already established in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, and plans for additional facilities for children with special needs.
The government of Punjab, Pakistan, has announced plans to establish two new schools specifically for the transgender community in Lahore, expanding on the existing educational infrastructure designed to support and uplift transpersons in the region. These new schools will be located in Raiwind and Wagah, complementing the already operational school situated in front of Barkat Market.
Support and Resources for Transgender Students
The School Education Department (SED) will provide free books, stationery, and uniforms to transgender students across all three schools. In addition, each student will be awarded a scholarship of Rs10,000, divided into Rs5,000 for stationery and books and Rs5,000 for travel allowance, contingent upon maintaining 80% attendance.
Punjab Government’s Commitment to Inclusive Education
This initiative is a significant part of the government’s broader efforts to promote inclusive education and provide equal opportunities for the transgender community. The establishment of these new schools follows earlier initiatives that saw similar educational institutions set up in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Leadership and Vision
In a move that underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced in April the establishment of a transgender school at the division level. Additionally, she highlighted plans to provide educational facilities for children with special needs in at least one government school in each district.
Building on Previous Initiatives in Punjab
Currently, nine out of the 11 divisions in Punjab have schools dedicated to the transgender community, an initiative originally undertaken by the previous Usman Buzdar government. This ongoing expansion reflects a continuous and evolving commitment to ensuring that transgender individuals receive the educational support and resources they need to thrive.
A Step Towards Equality
The establishment of these new schools in Raiwind and Wagah is a testament to the Punjab government’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all its citizens, regardless of gender identity. This effort not only addresses the immediate educational needs of the transgender community but also contributes to a more equitable and just society in the long run.
First-Ever Pakistani Public School for Transgender People Opens in Multan. Read the full story here:
On Thursday, July 8th, transgender people from Multan were able to attend their first class at a school in the Gulgasht area. The school is a pilot project and is established under “Transeducation”. The building was inaugurated by the Punjab government. It is located in the Government Girls Comprehensive Higher Secondary School. According to South Punjab Education Secretary Dr. Ehtesham Anwar, up till now, 18 trans students have been registered in the school in its first phase.
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