AKESP inaugurated the foundation laying of a state-of-the-art building at Torkhow, Mastuj and Booni , Upper Chitral
Chitral Times Report
UPPER CHITRAL : The Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP) inaugurated the foundation laying of a state-of-the-art building at the newly named Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Torkhow, previously known as Aga Khan School, Buzund, in the Torkhow region of Upper Chitral.
The school is being upgraded from high to higher secondary as well as expanded to accommodate a greater number of students. It will provide seamless transition to students from across the Torkhow region from pre-primary to higher secondary. Students from nearby Aga Khan Schools Rech and Khot will get admission for grades 11 and 12 at the AKHSS Torkhow.
The President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan, Hafiz Sherali, presided over the ceremony as chief guest, while Vice President Hussein Tajani was welcomed as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were the heads of the district administration of Chitral, the leaders of the Ismaili Regional and Local Councils for Chitral, as well as members from the local communities. The senior management of the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan, including CEO Imtiaz Momin, and Head of Education Aien Shah, were also present at the occasion.
The new infrastructure at the Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Torkhow campus has been designed to reflect changes in teaching methodologies, with multi-purpose and flexible learning spaces. The building aims to provide opportunities for students to question, explore and collaborate. Altogether, 13 classrooms, 2 science laboratories, a computer lab, library and other facilities such as offices, stores and washrooms will be constructed.
The expansion in infrastructure will increase the school’s capacity by about 500 students, taking its total enrollment to 800+ students.
Planned in harmony with its picturesque surroundings, and responding to the great environmental challenges of our times, the new school infrastructure, which will cover 19,000 sq. ft., follows the principles of green design with minimal carbon footprint. Solar panels will be installed to provide renewable energy while insulated building material and the use of natural light and air will keep energy consumption to a minimum.
A day earlier, foundations were laid for new state-of-the-art buildings at 2 other Aga Khan Schools in Chitral – Aga Khan School, Booni and Aga Khan School, Mastuj.
Combined, the 3 school expansions will increase the capacity of Aga Khan Schools in the region by more than 1,500 students.
Thanking the chief guest and other dignitaries for attending the ceremony at AKHSS Torkhow, AKES Pakistan’s General Manager for Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, Brigadier (retd.) Khush Muhammad said that once completed, the school expansion will significantly enhance educational opportunities in the area, giving young and talented students the chance to fulfill their dreams, and serve their nation.
