Birth of an idea
This story is not just a tale of dreams but a heartwarming reality that began to unfold in February 2002. Driven by concern and a burning desire to make a difference, a group of compassionate individuals came together to create something remarkable for their community: the Kot Radha Kishan Development Trust (KDT). Their journey is not merely about building structures but building futures, one brick at a time.
The journey of The Learning School is a testament to the power of dedicated educators who go above and beyond for their students. With a team of sixty passionate teachers led by a visionary Principal, their unwavering dedication has borne fruit. This success is reflected in the outstanding results achieved by our students in their Metric examinations. Despite being an entirely English medium school, our students have excelled and illuminated the path with their brilliance, securing top marks and first divisions in science subjects.
At The Learning School, education transcends mere literacy; it's about cultivating empathy, fostering a deep respect for human rights, promoting peace, embracing diversity, and nurturing a love for learning. Education is not just about books; it's about understanding the power of collective action and witnessing firsthand how a committed group of individuals can spark a transformative change that resonates with everyone.
We invite you to join us on this journey of responsible citizenship, where every contribution, no matter how small, helps shape a brighter future for all. Together, let's continue to be the architects of change and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Location
Kot Radha Kishan, located 55 km south of Lahore, is a sub-division of district Kasur in Pakistan. Positioned within proximity to key landmarks, Kasur city lies 35 km to the east. At the same time, Changa Manga, Pakistan's first man-made forest, is just 15 km south of Kot Radha Kishan. The town is strategically positioned along the main Peshawar - Karachi railway line, facilitating vital transportation connections. Moreover, it is well-connected to nearby urban centers such as Lahore, Raiwind, Chunian, Pattoki, Kasur, and Phool nagar via well-maintained metal roads.
About Kot Radha Kishen
The population of Kot Radha Kishan stands at approximately 155,000, with an annual growth rate of 2.7% and an average household size of 7.4. The town boasts a commendable literacy rate of around 69%. Conversely, the surrounding villages, with a population of about 60,000, exhibit a lower literacy rate of approximately 35%. These villages heavily rely on Kot Radha Kishan for essential amenities such as a Railway Station, a Bus Stand, a Post Office, banking facilities, educational institutions including colleges and girls' high schools, sub-division courts, as well as markets for crops, vegetables, and daily necessities.
The educated populace of Kot Radha Kishan and its environs predominantly seek employment in government and private sectors. While literate individuals from the town often work in the industrial zones of Raiwind and Lahore, those from the villages typically engage in agriculture. Additionally, many residents operate power loom industries from their homes.
In terms of education, the government school system in Kot Radha Kishan struggles to meet the demands of the rapidly growing population, hampered by outdated teacher training, high student-teacher ratios exceeding 1:50, and overcrowded classrooms with more than 50 students. Although private schools exist in the area, concerns linger over the quality of education they provide. Furthermore, the higher-end English medium schools in the vicinity remain financially out of reach for most of Kot Radha Kishan's residents and neighbouring villagers, with monthly fees ranging from PKR 8,000 to 10,000.
Liberal forum Pakistan - Kasur Chapter
In April 2001, a movement was initiated under the platform of Liberal Forum Pakistan (LFP) to promote political education among citizens. Recognizing the success of LFP chapters across Pakistan in mobilizing citizens for participation in local government, residents of Kot Radha Kishan saw the need for a similar initiative. Thus, the LFP Kasur chapter was established on April 27, 2001, following consultation with like-minded individuals.
The LFP Kasur chapter organized seminars, training workshops, and community campaigns in Kot Radha Kishan. Notably, a Clean the City campaign was launched on September 2, 2001, with the participation of a thousand citizens, demonstrating the community's commitment to improving their environment. Additionally, on November 10, 2001, a campaign against narcotics/drugs was initiated in collaboration with the Ayubia Health Club, focusing on educating the youth about the harmful effects of drugs. Furthermore, lectures were conducted in local schools and colleges by the District Coordinator of Liberal Forum Pakistan to raise student awareness.
Kot Radha Kishen Development Trust
Following their participation in seminars and campaigns organized by the Liberal Forum Pakistan, the residents of Kot Radha Kishan were inspired to take action for their community's betterment. Recognizing the pressing need for a quality educational institution serving semi-urban and rural areas, a diverse group of citizens, including union nazims, teachers, medical professionals, business owners, and civil society members, commenced weekly meetings in November 2001 to explore the possibility of establishing such a school at an affordable tuition fee. Dr. Farooq Ahmed Kunwar (late) was instrumental in sharing insights and guiding discussions during these sessions.
During these brainstorming sessions, various ideas were proposed, including inviting reputable school owners to establish branches in the town, selling shares to citizens to fund the school's construction, or seeking support from donor agencies. However, as members shared anecdotes of successful community-driven schools, the consensus emerged that Kot Radha Kishan should have its own school. Thus, it was decided to establish a trust named "Kot Radha Kishan Development Trust" to oversee the school's operations and potentially spearhead other community projects in the future. Dr. Farooq Kanwar was entrusted with preparing the feasibility study for the school.
Demonstrating remarkable community spirit, Dr. Noor Ahmed Akhtar, a prominent physician, pledged ten kanal of land for the school's establishment, later generously donating an additional six acres. Following weeks of deliberation and planning, Mr. Muhammad Anwar, a social worker affiliated with the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, advised trust members to each contribute a minimum of PKR Two hundred thousand towards the school's construction, marking a pivotal step towards realizing their shared vision.
The Learning School
In late December 2001, a pivotal gathering convened at the residence of Sheikh Shaukat Ali, Chairman of the Anjaman-e-Tajran (Traders body) of Kot Radha Kishan, marking a significant step forward in the town's educational journey. Participants announced contributions towards establishing a much-needed school, igniting a mission to rally community support and raise funds. By the first week of January 2002, fundraising efforts commenced alongside the formation of the Trust, with Dr. Noor Ahmed Akhtar appointed as Managing Trustee and Mr. Muhammad Anwar as General Secretary.
Over the following months, a whirlwind of progress unfolded. Remarkably, Rs.2.2 million was swiftly collected from trust members' donations, facilitating the hiring of architect Mr. Arif Khan to draft building plans. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, including delays from local authorities, construction commenced, propelled by unwavering determination. Notably, the earth-digging ceremony on February 5, 2002, marked a symbolic beginning, followed by the foundation-laying work in the third week of February.
Amidst challenges and triumphs, community engagement remained paramount. Weekly visits to neighbouring villages, multimedia presentations showcasing construction progress, and transparency in decision-making endeavoured to foster community ownership of the project. Despite initial hesitations and resistance, support outweighed opposition, with notable contributions from local stakeholders, elected representatives, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
By April 8, 2002, The Learning School opened its doors to 150 eager students, equipped with twelve classrooms spanning Nursery to 7th grade. Notably, the school received its first funding of Rs.412,000 from the German Embassy, a testament to its growing recognition. In recognition of his invaluable support, the "ARNO KELLER BLOCK" was named after Mr. Arno Keller, Resident Representative of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, cementing his technical and moral support legacy to both the school and Kot Radha Kishan community.
Let's learn
The motto of The Learning School encapsulates its philosophy: "Let's learn." This ethos permeates through every aspect of the school community, encouraging students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the wider community to engage in mutual learning and growth.
Three core objectives underpin the school's mission:
1. Creating an English medium environment: The Learning School aims to provide an English-speaking environment where students, particularly from rural backgrounds, can develop proficiency in English, empowering them to compete effectively in urban settings.
2. Fostering critical thinking: The school prioritizes the cultivation of critical thinking skills through inquiry-based teaching methods, cooperative learning, and ample opportunities for creative expression in speech and writing.
3. Nurturing self-confidence and social skills: Through role modeling and a robust program of co-curricular activities, The Learning School endeavors to instill essential life skills, including self-confidence and social competence, equipping students to become valuable contributors to society.
With over 1,200 students, a dedicated team of 100 staff members, 58 well-equipped classrooms, a bookshop, a canteen, and expansive playground facilities, TLS provides a vibrant and nurturing learning environment. However, the school's most significant achievement since its inception in 2002 lies in earning the trust and admiration of the local community. The strong bond of trust forged over the years has seen generations of families proudly entrusting their beloved children to The Learning School, a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence in education.