AlifLaila’s basic objective is to develop innovative (and integrated) solutions to address the structural causes of human under-development in Pakistan. This objective is part of a broader approach to fighting against all forms of ignorance and narrow-mindedness. By establishing and reinforcing libraries, training librarians, and distributing books, the AlifLaila Book Bus Society actively promotes access to information and knowledge throughout Pakistan.
Brief overview
AlifLaila Book Bus Society (ALBBS) traces its origin from the time when in 1978 an American couple – Dr. Nita and Dr. Richard Baker – working at the American School in Lahore, came up with the idea to harness the reading potential in children and create a sense of affection for books. To make the whole concept attractive and child friendly, the society requested the Pakistan Road Transport Board to donate a Double Decker bus in which a library could be set up. Books were donated and soon afterward the first Book Bus Library became functional. The idea proved to be a roaring success. Consequently to ensure the provision of maximum benefit to the most vulnerable focus was placed on children enrolled in government schools, whereas to widen the ambit of work the number of libraries was increased over time. Of these, the first set up in the double-decker bus is a Stationed Bus Library, the second a Reference Library set up in a building, and the Mobile Libraries and rickshaw libraries for facilitating those children who cannot visit either of the above.
From the time of its registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in January 1979 till date, AlifLaila has focused on bringing books and children closer through setting up libraries small and big, in communities and in schools as well as its mobile library program.
However, at the same time, the organization has added interventions in its portfolio that are congruent with its overall mission and vision. AlifLaila’s resource centers called Hobby Clubs now mobile Projects on the Go provide hands-on learning to young girls in Computer Programs, Electronics, Arts & Design, Crafts, Photography, and Kitchen Gardening so as to enable those hailing from disadvantaged families to acquire the skills required in the real world.
The Material Development Unit (MDU) where books and Early Childhood Education material / soft play material involving community women is developed. Project Management Unit (PMU) undertakes different projects training skills & education, especially for women with different donors; the Craft Products fund its free skill education program for the disadvantaged as well as promotes cultural heritage.
AlifLaila is a member of the Punjab Library Foundation, Children’s Library Complex, and the Pakistan National Chapter of the International Board on Books for Young. Working in partnership with organizations like USAID, DFID, Save the Children, UNICEF, UNESCO, Global Fund for Women (GFW), The Asia Foundation (TAF), Social Innovation Fund – Google, and Directorate of Staff Development, Govt. of Punjab; ALBBS has over the last two decades established its name as one of the premier organizations working in the education sector.
Apart from ALBBS, a lot of EdTech companies have mushroomed during the pandemic. Presently there are 348 EdTech startups in Pakistan some of which are Edkasa, Maqsad, Outclass, Taleemabad, Sabaq, Noon Academy, Knowledge Platform, and Educative, etc. Some of the others are as follows:
Orbit
Orbit offers an AR-based educational app for schools. Offers an in-depth explanation of concepts taught in books using 3D visualizations. Allows students to master the concepts through a rich database of 3D models and also assists teachers in delivering complex topics through visual, interactive, and deep learning experiences. Resources cover science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Daakhla
The platform is an online portal for students to apply to any educational institution. Students can apply to institutes and institutes can also follow up. They also provide career counseling services.
Nearpeer
Nearpeer is an online courses platform that provides university courses and professional certification prep. Courses are in the form of downloadable video lectures with 24×7 doubt clearance support through email. Courses taught are financial accountancy, Economics, Marketing etc. Also provides certification prep for Chartered Accountancy Final.
DESK
Digital Education Streaming Kiosk (DESK) is a tool for transforming the educational curriculum delivery system into digital content streaming by using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The DESK content delivery system toolbox consists of various modules which include video lessons, notes, quizzes, and past examination papers.
Bryt
Provider of app-based online tutoring solutions for students. The platform offers visual & textual content, doubt-clearing solutions, interactive classes, self-assessment solutions, progress reports, and more.
Learning Pitch
Provider of an online learning platform for students and financial professionals. It provides online learning courses and provides video lessons for students in the Urdu language. It also provides courses for CA, ACCA, ICMA, and more.
WonderTree
WonderTree creates AR-based games for educating special children. It focuses on developing coordination skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, and functional skills. Its gaming platform consists of learning content and therapeutic exercises that are gamified for children aged 5 and above. It provides insights into performance, progress, and more.