Pak-China Friendship School upgraded to High School

The Pak-China Friendship School in Gwadar, officially known as “Government Girls Middle School Faqeer Colony Gwadar,” was elevated to a high school on December 23, as per a notification from the Balochistan School Education Department.

The upgrade allows thousands of girls from Gwadar to access free education up to 10th grade. The school currently has an enrollment of approximately 500 female students.

Initially launched in 2016 with Chinese financial aid to provide primary education, the school expanded into a middle school in 2017 following community requests. Covering 1,600 square meters, it now features two teaching buildings and several additional facilities.

Renamed the China-Pakistan Government High School Faqeer Colony, it has become a pivotal institution in promoting education in Gwadar. Parents prefer it for its modern amenities, including a computer lab and upgraded furniture, which set it apart from other schools in the region.

The school recently inaugurated a Digital Lab, equipped with 30 new computers provided in partnership with Chinese company Zong, offering students access to computer literacy programs.

Additionally, several teachers have received scholarships to study in China, which is expected to enhance the school’s educational standards further.

According to Naseem Baloch, the school’s administrator, there were no educational facilities in the area before 2016, leaving children to play in the streets due to the lack of affordable schooling options for families in the 20,000-strong community.

“The school has transformed the lives of children in the area,” Baloch said, highlighting the significant improvement in local education since the school’s establishment.

Faiza, an 8th-grade student, expressed her excitement about the upgrade, sharing how the school has empowered her and fulfilled her dream of continuing her education locally up to 10th grade.

Headmistress Parveen Nawaz commended Chinese philanthropy for bringing education to Gwadar’s underserved population. She emphasized that the public school surpasses private institutions in both facilities and quality while providing free education. She highlighted features such as spacious classrooms, a conducive learning environment, strong discipline, and committed teachers as the school strives for excellence.