LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to establish two new schools for the transgender community in Lahore, in addition to the existing one in front of Barkat Market. The new schools will be located in Raiwind and Wagah. The School Education Department (SED) will provide free books, stationery, and uniforms to transgender students in all three schools. A scholarship of Rs10,000 will also be awarded to each student, with Rs5,000 for stationery and books and Rs5,000 for travel allowance, provided they maintain 80% attendance. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive education and provide opportunities for the transgender community. Earlier, schools for transgender students were established in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. In April, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced the establishment of a transgender school at division level and educational facilities for children with special needs in at least one government school in each district. Nine of the 11 divisions in Punjab already have schools for the transgender community. The initiative was taken by the previous Usman Buzdar government.
(Daily Dawn)
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