Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the schools has not changed since their founding in the 1850s: to educate the poorest of the poor in Pakistan, irrespective of class, religion, or origin. The schools also provide leadership to the church to be agents of change, building relationships among different faith communities.

There are 25 schools in operation today throughout the Punjab province of Pakistan. Over 6,000 students are currently studying.

While the primary focus of the schools is education of girls, boys are also educated in most PEB schools through grade 5, as allowed by Pakistani law. After the fifth grade girls and boys must be separated. However, PEB has three schools dedicated to education of boys: PEB Boys’ High School (Sargodha), Christian Training Institute (Sialkot) and Christian Boys’ High School, Martinpur.

The girls’ schools have nursery through Grade 10. The single gender schools for boys have Grades 6 through 10.

Yes, Muslims and Christians study side by side in the PEB schools (approximately 60 percent of students are Muslim and 40 percent are Christian). There is no attempt to convert Muslim students. Christians have Bible teachers, and Muslim students have access to Islamic studies taught according to the law of Pakistan. Because all faiths learn together and are respected, students learn the values of tolerance, respect, and love which lead to a more peaceful

Over 50 percent of the funds to operate the schools come from local sources through tuition and donations. Additional funds are donated by individuals, foundations, and churches throughout the USA and worldwide. PEB’s goal is to be sustainable with all operating expenses being generated in-country. Construction and renovation of schools will still need to be funded from outside of Pakistan.

There are three girls’ dormitories at the schools in Pasrur, Sargodha, and Sangla Hill. They serve Christian girls from very poor and remote villages too far away for the children to walk or be transported to school each day. The girls receive an education, Bible training, and practical life skills. Christian boys have access to a dormitory at CTI Sialkot.

A scholarship covers tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms. Resident students also receive room and board.

Curriculum and academic standards are some of the highest in Pakistan, with all students passing national matriculation exams and many excelling. Teams from the USA provide ongoing training to the PEB teachers annually. Because of the high standards of the PEB schools, there is a long waiting list at each school.

PEB staff, headed by Ms. Veeda Javaid Executive Director of PEB in Pakistan, is a highly trained group of people who provide academic and financial accountability for all funds. Their work is audited yearly and is supervised by an elected board of directors.