Caritas Pakistan Opens Five Education Centers for Marginalized Children in Karachi

Caritas Pakistan Karachi has opened five Non-Formal Education Centers at St. Michael’s Parish to provide basic education to out-of-school and marginalized children in Pakistan’s largest city.

The centers were inaugurated on September 3 by Archbishop Benny Travas of Karachi, who commended Caritas for supporting families and communities that struggle to access formal education.

“Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for social transformation,” Archbishop Travas said, urging parents and community leaders to create supportive learning environments for children.

He said education can help young people overcome poverty and contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. He also cited Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who has advocated globally for girls’ access to education.

Karachi, the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s largest city, is a major commercial and industrial center on the Arabian Sea. The city is also home to communities facing significant economic and social challenges, including children who have been unable to continue their formal education.

The new centers are part of Caritas Pakistan’s project, “Support for Non-Formal Education for Neglected and Marginalized Communities in Pakistan.” The initiative focuses on vulnerable children and young people, including domestic workers, child laborers at brick kilns and girls who have been excluded from formal schooling.

Mansha Noor, Executive Secretary of Caritas Pakistan Karachi, said the centers provide a pathway for children who have dropped out of school to prepare for a return to mainstream education.

“True social development begins by reaching those most neglected by society,” Noor said, emphasizing Caritas’ commitment to providing safe and dignified learning environments.

Project Associate Bushra James said the initiative operates across three parishes of the Archdiocese of Karachi: St. Michael’s, St. Jude’s and St. Thomas’s. She said the project seeks to give disadvantaged children access to foundational education and help them become more confident and active members of their communities.

With the five newly inaugurated centers, eight Non-Formal Education Centers are now operating in St. Michael’s Parish under the Caritas Initiative for Promotion of Education, according to Social Mobilizer Javed Iqbal.

He said the centers provide flexible learning opportunities for children who cannot easily enter or return to conventional schools. Coordination between the centers and parish leadership is intended to provide continued support as students prepare to transition into mainstream education.

Shahmeem Khurshed, principal of St. Patrick’s College, highlighted the wider social benefits of providing children with access to basic education. She announced that the college would provide special tuition and admission discounts for eligible graduates from St. Michael’s Parish.

The initiative also includes direct educational support for students and teachers. During the inauguration, 150 students received educational kits containing textbooks, workbooks, school bags, water bottles, lunch boxes and stationery.

Teachers received classroom equipment including desks, chairs, blackboards, floor mats, electric fans, art materials and administrative registers.

Fr. Barnabas George, parish priest of St. Michael’s, thanked Archbishop Travas, Caritas leaders, partner institutions and educators, and reaffirmed the parish’s commitment to sustaining educational opportunities for children in the community.