National Education Foundation (NEF) and Child Protection Institute (CPI)signed a Letter of Understanding to establish a Non-Formal Education Centre

ISLAMABAD: In a major move to fulfill the constitutional right to education, the National Education Foundation (NEF) and the Child Protection Institute (CPI) officially signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU) today to establish a dedicated Non-Formal Education (NFE) Centre at the premises of CPI, Islamabad.

The LOU was signed by Ms. Tahira Sheikh, Managing Director, NEF, and Ms. Rabeea Hadi, Director General, CPI, Islamabad in a ceremony witnessed by the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT).

The initiative, launched under the direct oversight of the Ministry of FE&PT, aims to integrate Out-of-School-Children (OOSC), currently residing in or supported by the Child Protection Institute, into the formal learning stream. This partnership directly addresses the government’s mandate under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, which ensures that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.

Speaking at the occasion, the Additional Secretary of Federal Education emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for child protection. He said, “This Non-Formal Education Centre is more than just a classroom; it is a gateway to dignity and opportunity for children who have faced significant life challenges. By bringing the school to the Child Protection Institute, we are ensuring that no child is left behind due to his environment.”

The NFE Centre will utilize an Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), allowing children who have missed school for years to catch up with their peers in a flexible, supportive environment. NEF will provide the curriculum, trained educators, and learning materials, while CPI will facilitate the infrastructure, learning environment and students’ availability.

This collaboration marks a significant step in inter-ministerial synergy between the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training and the Ministry of Human Rights, setting a new benchmark for how state institutions can work together to protect the future of Pakistan’s most vulnerable youth.

3rd February, 2026

Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training

Islamabad