Pakistan’s Non-Formal Education Report 2023–24: Over 25 Million Children Out of School
Pakistan is facing a growing education crisis — more than 25 million children aged 5–16 are currently out of school. To help solve this issue, the government is focusing on Non-Formal Education (NFE), a flexible learning system aimed at reaching children who can’t attend regular schools.
This update was shared in the Pakistan’s Non-Formal Education Report 2023–24, launched at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad.
Key Highlights from the Report
25.37 million children are not enrolled in school
NFE centres: 35,427
Learners currently enrolled: 1.29 million (20% increase from last year)
Major causes: COVID-19, floods, and regional inequalities
Federal Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui praised the work of the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for compiling the report.
What Is Being Done?
🔹 Accelerated Learning Programs (ALP) are being expanded — especially Middle-Tech programs that combine academics with technical skills.
🔹 A new National Policy for Non-Formal Education (2025) is being drafted, with a bold goal: 📌 “Zero Out-of-School Children.”
🔹 A dedicated Education Management Information System (EMIS) is tracking progress with better data tools.
🔹 Teachers in NFE centres will soon follow a standard assessment system, ensuring consistent quality.
🔹 A National Action Plan for NFE 2025 is also in progress.
Why It Matters
According to the Minister, data-driven education policy is the future. Only through accurate tracking and strong coordination can Pakistan tackle its massive education gap.
He also stressed the importance of female education, calling it key to the nation’s development. Educated women not only improve communities — they boost economic growth.
“Education is the foundation of any progressive society. No nation can move forward without it.” — Dr. Siddiqui
Final Thoughts
With strong partnerships, data systems, and a commitment to reach every child, Pakistan is taking real steps toward solving one of its biggest national challenges.
Permanent Residency for International Students: 7 Easiest European Countries
Many international students dream of building a future in the country where they study — aiming for a stable life, great career opportunities, and long-term residency.
While some destinations make this tough, several European countries offer smooth and supportive pathways from student visa to permanent residency (PR). Especially for students from Africa and South Asia, these countries stand out.
🌍 Here are 7 European Countries Where International Students Can Easily Get PR
1. France
France remains a top destination due to its excellent education system and work opportunities.
🎓 Post-Study Visa: Up to 24 months via APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour)
💼 Pathway: Get a job/start a business → Apply for work permit → Qualify for PR
✅ Tip: Knowing French improves your chances greatly 🔗 Official Study in France:
Europe offers a range of countries that truly support international students beyond graduation. If your dream is to study and stay, these destinations are your best bets for a long-term life abroad.
Looking to boost your MBA profile with free certifications?
Whether you’re a current MBA student or planning to start your business journey, free online certifications can set you apart in a competitive job market. From finance to marketing, the world’s top platforms now offer free business courses designed to add real value — without draining your wallet.
In this post, we cover the best free certifications in 2025 for MBA students from trusted universities and platforms.
🌐 Platforms Offering Free MBA Certifications
Here are the most trusted platforms offering 100% free or audit-free + paid certificate models:
Coursera – Courses from Yale, Wharton, Stanford [Insert Link]
edX – Business courses from MIT, Harvard, and IIMs [Insert Link]
FutureLearn – UK-based business education providers [Insert Link]
Google Digital Garage – Digital marketing and career growth skills [Insert Link]
LinkedIn Learning – Free 1-month trial with top business content [Insert Link]
🏆 Best Free Certifications for MBA Students (2025)
Here are some highly recommended programs:
1. Financial Markets – Yale University (Coursera)
🔗 https://www.coursera.org/learn/financial-markets-global Understand global markets and risk management fundamentals from a world-class faculty.
2. Digital Marketing Fundamentals – Google
🔗 https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/collection/1384851-fundamentals-of-digital-marketing A free, 26-module course covering SEO, SEM, and analytics — certificate included.
3. Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies – Harvard (edX)
🔗 https://www.edx.org/learn/entrepreneurship/harvard-university-entrepreneurship-in-emerging-economies Tackle real-world case studies to build scalable business ideas in growing markets.
4. Leadership Skills in Business – Alison
🔗 https://alison.com/course/leadership-skills-in-business-revised Practical modules on communication, decision-making, and team management.
5. Strategic Management & Innovation – Copenhagen Business School (Coursera)
🔗 https://www.coursera.org/specializations/strategic-management Perfect for MBA students focusing on long-term growth and organizational strategy.
📌 Why These Certifications Matter
✅ Build your resume and LinkedIn with credentials from top schools
✅ Gain real-world business skills beyond theory
✅ Strengthen MBA applications or internship profiles
✅ Learn at your pace — anywhere, anytime
🔗 Bonus Tip:
Use https://brightmindai.com/programs/ to track global internship openings, PhD scholarships, and free AI tools that help students stay ahead.
🎯 Final Thoughts
BrightMindAI brings you hand-picked, verified learning opportunities that matter. These certifications are not only free — they’re respected and recognized by global employers.
👉 Start learning today and future-proof your MBA journey.
Maryland Retrains Former Federal Employees to Combat Teacher Shortage
Just today (July 14, 2025), the Washington Post reported that Maryland is launching an innovative initiative to tackle its 1,600+ teacher vacancies by retraining laid-off federal workers as educators.
👥 Who’s Involved?
Former federal employees—many displaced by recent job cuts—are being fast-tracked into STEM and foreign language teaching roles via a new grant-funded program led by Governor Wes Moore and supported by Montgomery College.
🔧 How It Works
A $1 million state grant covers teacher training and certification.
Nearly 20 participants, including PhDs and agency staff, are already enrolled—and some have secured conditional teaching contracts.
Courses are tailored toward high-demand subjects like math, science, and languages.
✅ Why This Matters
Governor Moore highlights how this approach both alleviates federal job losses and strengthens Maryland classrooms.
Bringing in professionals with diverse backgrounds—like former analysts or researchers—enriches student learning.
This model could become a template for other states facing chronic teacher shortages.
✍️ Harvard Uncovers Deep Roots in Slavery – Then Fires the Researcher Who Found Them
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1913. Photograph: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Hey everyone, Today I want to talk about something that honestly shocked me—and probably will surprise you too.
While doing my usual reading, I came across this story about Harvard University’s connection to slavery, and I couldn’t believe what I found. The university had launched a project to explore its historical ties to slavery… but when the researcher found more than 900 enslaved people linked to Harvard, and 500 living descendants, they fired him.
Yep, fired. Why? Because the numbers were “too high.” It made me pause and think: how far are some institutions really willing to go when it comes to confronting their past?
The Researcher Who Dug Too Deep
The man behind the findings, Richard Cellini, was leading Harvard’s “Legacy of Slavery” initiative. His job was to uncover and document the university’s ties to slavery. But when his team’s work revealed a lot more than expected, things took a turn. According to reports, Harvard’s administration started applying pressure—not to keep digging—but to stop. And eventually, they cut him and his entire team loose.
That part really stings. Isn’t the whole point of research to uncover the truth, no matter how uncomfortable?
Photographs of enslaved people in the US, possibly the oldest known in the country, were discovered in the basement of a Harvard University museum in 1977. Photograph: Bettmann Archive Take from theguardian.com/
So… What Happens Now?
The project has now been outsourced to another organization. But from what I read, the work isn’t being done with the same transparency. I think it’s important that universities don’t just acknowledge history when it’s convenient. These findings matter, especially for the descendants of the people who were enslaved.
Why This Matters to All of Us
This isn’t just about Harvard. A lot of prestigious institutions—around the world—have similar histories. And this shows us the tension between truth and reputation. If even a world-class university struggles with being honest about its past, what does that say about accountability elsewhere?
For me, it’s a reminder that education isn’t just about the future—it’s also about owning the past.
Let me know what you think. Should universities do more to recognize and support the descendants of those affected by their history?
Stay informed, – BrightmindAI
Gallery of the report:
The grave of Cicely, a 15-year-old ‘Negro servant’ of the Rev William Brattle, a treasurer at Harvard College, at the Old Burying Ground just outside Harvard Yard on 27 April 2022, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Photograph: Charles Krupa/AP
