How One Teacher Is Transforming a Remote School in AJK

News Desk
Rawalakot: A government school teacher in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is winning praise for transforming a remote primary school by mobilizing former students and the local community to improve educational facilities for underprivileged children.

Dania Javaid, in charge of Government Girls Primary School Dhoke Dreak in Rawalakot, launched an initiative in 2021 to enhance the quality of education at the school, which serves around 120 students from economically and socially disadvantaged families.

Believing that meaningful change begins with better teaching and stronger community involvement, Dania reached out to the school’s alumni, including overseas Kashmiris, to raise funds for improving the learning environment.

The latest milestone in the initiative saw school uniforms distributed to all 120 students, ensuring children from low-income families have access to essential educational support. The distribution ceremony was attended by education officials, community leaders, and other guests who praised the efforts to uplift the school.

Recognizing the transformation, participants described Government Girls Primary School Dhoke Dreak as a model primary school in AJK and pledged support to upgrade it to middle-school status, a demand that has remained unfulfilled since 1979.

Beyond her work at the school, Dania has also promoted adult education and women’s literacy in the region by encouraging educated women to teach evening classes. She has also earned a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a PhD in Educational Psychology at a university in the United States, reflecting her continued commitment to improving education both locally and internationally.