DefinePK

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting primary education in two districts of Punjab, Pakistan—Chiniot and Faisalabad—and assesses the sustainability of NGO interventions and community satisfaction. Data were collected from a purposive and randomly selected sample of 431 respondents, including NGO managers, head teachers, class teachers, students, and parents, using structured interviews and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that NGO activities (awareness campaigns, community mobilization, school events, and short-term material support) contributed to increased school enrollment and renewed parental interest in schooling. However, community committees and other local mechanisms established during projects frequently failed to sustain activities after NGOs withdrew. The study concludes that while NGOs play an important role in expanding access, durable educational improvement requires planned exit strategies, capacity building of community institutions, and sustained coordination with government bodies.