According to UNICEF and government data, more than 27 million children remain out of school
Education is the foundation of a nation’s progress, yet in Pakistan, millions of children are growing up without it. Despite being the world’s fifth most populous country, Pakistan faces one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally. According to UNICEF and government data, more than 27 million children remain out of school, a staggering number that undermines both social development and economic growth.
The National Crisis
Nearly 44% of children aged 5 to 16 in Pakistan are out of school. Girls are disproportionately affected, with nearly 12 million girls denied access to education. Poverty, gender discrimination, poor quality of teaching, lack of facilities, and long distances to schools all contribute to the problem.
The consequences are far-reaching. Children without education are often trapped in low-income jobs, unable to break free from poverty. Girls who never see a classroom are more likely to marry early, face health complications, and remain economically dependent. For the nation, the cost is equally severe: the World Bank estimates that Pakistan loses 2–3% of GDP every year due to low literacy and skill development.
Clearly, tackling this crisis requires urgent investment, innovative models, and partnerships that go beyond government alone. This is where OGDCL (Oil & Gas Development Company Limited) has stepped forward through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
OGDCL’s Commitment to Education As Pakistan’s largest oil and gas exploration company, OGDCL has long recognized its responsibility to contribute to social development. Under its CSR framework, the company has invested in healthcare, community uplift, and infrastructure- ture. But one of its most impactful initiatives has been Mashal E Elm, launched in partnership with Vision21 to tackle the out-of-school children crisis.
Education is not charity; it is empowerment. By supporting children in marginalized communities, the company is not only changing individual lives but also strengthening Pakistan’s human capital for the future.
Transforming Lives
These success stories are not just about academic achievement; they are proof of how OGDCL’s CSR investment is inspiring entire communities to value education.
1. Fiza, once facing financial hardships, scored 881 marks to top her class.
2. Shabana, from a restrictive background, scored 776 marks and is now a role model for other girls in her community.
3. Manzar, who had failed matric exams multiple times, finally succeeded with structured guidance.
4. Anza, initially blocked by her family from studying, not only passed matric but also changed her parents’ mindset about girls’ education.
Behind these numbers lie stories that highlight OGDCL’s impact.
The Implementing Arm
A Flame of Knowledge in Chapri. The Mashal E Elm School was launched in Chapri, a neglected village in Tehsil Jand, identified through surveys as having one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children. Nearly 250 children in Chapri had dropped out due to financial constraints, lack of facilities, and cultural barriers. For OGDCL, this was a community where investment in education could create a visible, lasting impact.
The project aims to enroll 180 children in accelerated learning programs to help them complete primary, middle, and matriculation within just over five years. Alongside this, 90 students will receive skill development training, equipping them with employable skills.
To date, over 200 children have enrolled, with 160 continuing regularly. Assessments and tracking systems ensure students’ progress steadily despite their late start.
The school uses a Speed Education Model
Primary (18 months) for children aged 9–14.
Middle (2 years) covering grades 6–8
Matriculation (2 years) following the Rawalpindi Board curriculum.
Empowering Women Alongside Education
Mashal E Elm also addresses women’s empowerment. With OGDCL’s support, a Skill Development Center was launched in February 2025, training 23 women in stitching, embroidery, and literacy. Some now earn income through tailoring, while others contribute by supporting their families.
A second batch of 26 women begins this September. More than 30 female teachers have been trained under the initiative, and their presence has strengthened community trust in girls’ education. By enabling women to learn and earn, OGDCL is ensuring that the benefits of education ripple across families and generations.
Building Community Spirit
Beyond classrooms, OGDCL has made Mashal E Elm a hub of community activity. Medical camps have served more than 300 locals. Awareness campaigns, science exhibitions, sports weeks, and cultural festivals bring parents and children together, reinforcing the importance of education. Cleanliness drives and plantation campaigns further embed a sense of civic responsibility.
Crucially, these activities have transformed how the community views OGDCL. Once seen only as an oil and gas company, it is now respected as a partner in development and social uplift.
Challenges and Resilience
Like any ambitious project, Mashal E Elm has faced challenges. Families struggled financially, children were pressured to work, and some parents were skeptical of accelerated learning methods. Cultural objections were also raised about sports and extracurricular activities.
Yet, OGDCL and its partners responded with persistence: offering financial support, holding awareness sessions, organizing medical camps, and counseling families on the long-term benefits of education. These interventions helped reduce dropouts and strengthen parental trust.
A Model for Replication
Currently funded by OGDCL for four years, plans are underway to extend the program further. The initiative has proven that corporate social responsibility can directly address national challenges like education. If replicated by other corporations and NGOs, the Mashal E Elm model could help bring millions of out-of-school children back into learning.
Lighting Futures
For OGDCL, Mashal E Elm is more than a CSR project; it is a symbol of its commitment to the people of Pakistan. By investing in education, the company is investing in the nation’s future. As an OGDCL representative put it, “Through Mashal E Elm, we have become a beacon of hope and positive change. The community now sees OGDCL not just as a company, but as a partner in education and empowerment.”
Pakistan’s education crisis is vast, but initiatives like Mashal E Elm prove that solutions are possible. With continued support from companies like OGDCL, coupled with government and community efforts, the flame of knowledge can spread across the country, lighting futures, one child at a time.
