ROLE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GOVERNMENT AND AGA KHAN EDUCATION SERVICE PAKISTAN SCHOOLS IN UPPER CHITRAL

Abstract

Due to inadequate educational facilities and Government's inattention, the people of Chitral are facing significant challenges in providing their children with good quality education. This study assesses the quality of education in Chitral from various perspectives. Since majority of schools in Chitral are under the ownership of Government of Pakistan, followed by the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan, therefore this study primarily focuses on the evaluation and comparison of these two educational bodies. These two institutions have been compared in terms of their engagement with community members in educational affairs, the quality of education provided, the execution of extracurricular activities aimed at improving student's soft skills, collaboration and coordination with parents, and the overall school environment. In addition, participants in the interview were asked about religious influence or discrimination within the school, the expected advantages if Government and Aga Khan Schools started working in collaboration and expanding Aga Khan Schools throughout Chitral. To achieve inclusive outcomes, I conducted interviews with students, educators, parents and community leaders in Chitral, with a particular focus on Upper Chitral. The results suggest that Aga Khan Schools exhibit a higher level of active engagement with community members and parents compared to Government Schools, and they also deliver a high-quality education. However, a substantial number of people prefer Government Schools due to their provision of free education. Both schools refrain from religious bias or discrimination. Presently, Aga Khan Schools are concentrated in the regions with a Shia Ismaili majority. However, residents of Sunni dominated areas also desired for the expansion of Aga Khan Schools all across Chitral.