Location: Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Status: Active
Project Description:
The mission of the Worldwide Education Fund (WEF) at The Dallas Foundation is to create and support Early Childhood Development Programs in underserved communities across South and Central Asian countries. In these regions, existing educational systems struggle to meet the developmental needs of children under the age of 6.
WEF collaborates with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to establish Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers. These centers provide a dedicated space where children aged 3-5 can gather in an environment designed to foster their optimal growth. The facilities are equipped with specialized furniture, tools, and materials, all aimed at stimulating the children’s physical, socio-emotional, and intellectual development.
Trained Montessori Teachers play a crucial role in these centers, guiding and facilitating the children’s learning experiences. The goal is to enhance the children’s senses and promote their overall development during these foundational years. Through these efforts, WEF aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young children in marginalized communities, setting the stage for a brighter future.
Current Impact:
Situated at a low-cost private school, our Early Childhood Development Centre, Chitral, stands out as the first of its kind to embrace the Montessori Method of learning. We pride ourselves on being fully equipped with ECD materials that align with the core philosophy of Maria Montessori. Our dedicated teachers are certified by the Pakistan Montessori Council, ensuring a commitment to excellence.
At our ECD Centre, we are breaking away from traditional teaching and learning methods. We emphasize parent participation by providing opportunities for them to attend parent teaching sessions, engage in classroom observations, and participate in storytelling activities.
Currently, the center accommodates 40 children aged 3-5 years in two sessions, fostering a student-centered learning experience. Over the past three years, our ECD Centre has successfully graduated 60 students, and we eagerly anticipate making a positive impact on even more young minds in the future.
