De Laas Gul

07/06/2026

As De Laas Gul enters its Golden Jubilee year, I find myself reflecting on one of the greatest gifts we can offer a child: language.

Language is more than words. It is how we understand ourselves, express our thoughts, preserve our stories, and connect with the world around us.

In our classrooms, we often focus on what children should learn. Yet equally important is how they learn to speak, listen, read, question, and communicate. A child who finds their voice gains confidence. A child who learns to listen gains understanding.

Whether it is our mother tongue, our national languages, or the languages that open doors to wider opportunities, each one adds a new dimension to learning.

As we celebrate fifty years of De Laas Gul, I am reminded that education is not only about transmitting knowledge. It is about nurturing voices—voices that can think critically, speak respectfully, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The future belongs not only to those who know, but to those who can communicate, collaborate, and continue learning throughout their lives.

What role has language played in your own learning journey?

01/06/2026

09/05/2026

DLG/BC Scottish Scholarship Programme 2025–26
The 3rd distribution ceremony of the DLG/BC Scottish Scholarship Programme 2025–26 was held on 7 May 2026 at Government Girls High School Bandagul in Bajaur District. Bajaur, one of the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, continues to face significant educational challenges due to militancy, poverty, displacement, floods, weak infrastructure, and limited investment in the education sector. These challenges have greatly affected girls’ access to quality education and social development. Girls in the district continue to face barriers such as low literacy rates, shortage of schools, lack of transportation, cultural restrictions, early marriages, and inadequate educational facilities.
In response to these challenges, DLG continued the scholarship programme in Bajaur for another year with the aim of reducing dropout rates and easing the financial burden on families by supporting girls’ education beyond middle school. Under this initiative, 20 scholarships were awarded to students of Government Girls High School, Tehsil Utman Khel, Bajaur.
The selection of scholarship recipients was carried out by a committee led by the School Principal, DLG Focal Person Mr. Muhammad Zada, and school staff. The ceremony was attended by the DLG team, including Programme Director Qasim Khan, social activist and poet Noman Khan, school staff, and DLG Focal Person Mr. Muhammad Zada.
During the event, the Programme Director highlighted the objectives of the scholarship programme and emphasized the importance of girls’ education in Bajaur. He encouraged students to continue their studies with dedication and contribute positively to the development of their communities. Mr. Noman Khan also stressed the importance of girls’ education and appreciated the commitment of teachers and school staff serving in remote areas.
The Principal of the school appreciated the efforts of DLG and the British Council for extending support to District Bajaur for the second consecutive year. She assured full cooperation in future initiatives and expressed confidence that continued support would help students achieve outstanding academic results and strengthen girls’ education in the district.
The event concluded with the distribution of educational kits among scholarship students by the Programme Director of DLG, social activist Mr. Noman Khan, and DLG Focal Person Mr. Muhammad Zada.

05/05/2026

District Buner Educational Kits Distribution Report
Date: May 4, 2026

The distribution of educational kits commenced in District Buner on Monday, May 4, 2026. The inaugural event was held at Government Girls High School Pacha Kaly. District Buner was severely affected by the 2025 floods. During the emergency response, De Laas Gul (DLG) played a vital role by providing cash assistance to families whose homes were either fully or partially destroyed.

As recovery efforts continue and livelihoods gradually restore, the distribution of educational kits serves as timely support for affected families. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on parents and encourage the continued education of students, enabling them to strive for academic excellence.

The ceremony began with the name of Allah, followed by a formal introduction to the Scottish Scholarship Scheme for young women by the Programme Director Mr. Qasim Khan. The Honourable Chairperson of DLG, Ms. Meraj Hamayun Khan, attended the event as Chief Guest. The school principal Ms Saeeda, along with Ms. Sara Farid, Research Associate also graced the occasion.

In her address, Ms. Meraj Hamayun Khan congratulated both students and their parents. She emphasized the importance of girls’ education and encouraged students to work hard, stating that they are the future nation builders with the power to bring positive change. She also acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of the British Council and the Scottish Government for supporting education initiatives in remote areas.
The school principal expressed gratitude to DLG and the British Council for their continued efforts in promoting girls’ education in a district like Buner.

A total of 20 students, including 5 from minority communities, received educational kits during the event.

07/04/2026

In many schools, there is a genuine desire to improve.

Teachers are working. Management is trying.
But improvement often remains limited.
Why?

Because effort is not supported by systems.

• lesson planning is not structured
• assessment is not aligned with learning
• follow-up is inconsistent
• expectations are not clearly defined

When simple systems are introduced and followed consistently, change begins to happen.

School improvement is not about doing more.
It is about doing the right things, consistently.

29/03/2026

Why do some schools perform, others fail?

For many years, I have worked quietly in education and institutional development, often in difficult and resource-limited contexts.

What I have learned is simple.
Schools do not fail because teachers are unwilling. They struggle because systems are weak, expectations are unclear, and professional standards are not built with care.

Real improvement does not come from one workshop or one policy. It comes from steady work on three things:

• strengthening teachers
• building systems
• creating a culture of responsibility

I am now focusing more intentionally on supporting schools and organisations that want to move in this direction.
Not towards perfection, but towards meaningful, honest progress.

16/03/2026

🌸 Mausam-e-Bahar ke Rang — De Laas Gul ke Sang 🌿
To promote a greener and more beautiful Wadi Kandao, the DLG team — Mr. Farooq Shah and Mr. Wahid Ullah — distributed saplings among community members during this spring season. The initiative encourages residents to plant trees at their homes, Hujras, mosques, streets, and gardens.
The people warmly welcomed the activity and happily received saplings to plant and help make the valley greener and more vibrant.
🌱 Together, let us plant today and make Wadi Kandao green, clean, and full of life.