For the last few months, TRC has been in discussion with the City District Government Karachi, for improving Katchi Classes in 40 government schools. On July 27, 2009, the partnership between CDGK and TRC was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. TRC plans to work with 40 partner schools functioning under the Local Bodies Wing and Education Department, CDGK, in Jamshed and Korangi Towns. This partnership is supported by the Releasing Confidence and Creativity Programme (RCC). The idea is to transform Katchi classes in partner schools into vibrant learning spaces, through training and regular follow-up support provided to teachers and supervisors. Next steps include developing a core mass of teacher educators and mentors, and advocacy with District administration. Through these initiatives, TRC aims to strengthen public sector capacities for initiating and upscaling ECE in other government schools in Karachi.

Mr. Ibrahim Ali Kambhar, Executive District Officer, Schools – CDGK, on the occasion of the MOU signing, expressed his deep appreciation of TRC’s support to government schools and ensured that full cooperation would be extended to us for quality implementation of the project. Seema Malik, Director TRC, thanked CDGK for its cooperation, and emphasized that TRC has always experienced that government school teachers, when professionally supported, are hardworking and committed to improving their teaching and classroom set up. She expressed her hope that the Education Department and CDGK will utilize the ECE expertise created through RCC in its own programmes and launch similar initiatives across Karachi. Ms. Farhana Iqbal, Chairperson CMIS/KEDC and Ms. Shamim Akhtar, Chairperson Education Committee CDGK, also appreciated the launch of this ECE improvement programme in government schools. District government officials and representatives of Jamshed and Korangi towns were also present at the MOU signing, including Mr. Ahmad Nawaz Niazi, D O, Headquarter, Mr. Mansoor Mirza, D O, Education Local Bodies Wing, Mrs. Farnaz Riaz, DO Elementary Female, and Mr. Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, DDO, Education.