The schools were started in the mid-1800s by Presbyterian missionaries from the United Presbyterian Church. The property is owned by the PCUSA and operated by Presbyterian Pakistani Christians. PEB is accepted by the denomination and has representation in the Yearbook of Prayer published by PCUSA. PEB also has an Extra Commitment Number (ECO 862370) assigned by PCUSA.
What is the primary purpose of the schools?
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.
How many schools exist today, and how many students are being served?
There are 25 schools in operation today throughout the Punjab province of Pakistan. Over 6,000 students are currently studying.
Are both boys and girls educated?
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.
Which grades are included?
The girls’ schools have nursery through Grade 10. The single gender schools for boys have Grades 6 through 10.
Do Muslims and Christians study together?
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
society.
How are the schools funded?
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.
Who is served in the PEB dormitories?
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.
What does a scholarship cover?
A scholarship covers tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms. Resident students also receive room and board.
What are the academic standards of the schools?
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.
What about accountability? How do I know my contributions will go where they are intended to go?
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.