Lahore (TDI): In a proud moment for Pakistan’s education sector, three pioneering schools—Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust, Beaconhouse College Program’s Juniper Campus (Quetta), and Nordic International School (Lahore) have been shortlisted among the top 10 finalists for the 2025 World’s Best School Prizes, awarded across five transformative categories.
Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust
Located in Lahore’s Glaxo Town, Sanjan Nagar has become Pakistan’s first low-income school to implement the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB‑PYP).
Beginning in a repurposed factory, it now empowers over 800 students through an inquiry-based, inclusive model rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The school offers subsidized tuition (roughly PKR 1,000–1,500 monthly), with around 40% of students receiving full scholarships, demonstrating that high-quality education can thrive despite economic constraints.
Shortlisted in the “Overcoming Adversity” category, Sanjan Nagar is transforming marginalized communities with critical 21st-century skills, creativity, and inclusive values.
Beaconhouse College Program, Juniper Campus
From Quetta comes the innovative “Science Gaari” — a student‑operated mobile science lab born from a partnership with UNICEF.
This hands-on STEM initiative reaches more than 150 underserved rural schools across Balochistan, offering real-world experiments to communities lacking lab access.
Shortlisted in both “Breaking the Barriers to STEM” and “Community Collaboration,” the project is bridging educational divides through youth-led innovation and outreach.
Nordic International School Lahore
Established in 2017, Nordic International School draws on Nordic pedagogical principles—focusing on mindfulness, empathy, ethics, teamwork, and social-emotional learning—while engaging parents as true partners in education.
Recognized in the “Community Collaboration” category, the school cultivates a nurturing, inclusive environment where kindness, parental involvement, and emotional well-being thrive.
The Finale
The 50 finalist schools will soon vie for both jury-led awards and the public-voted Community Choice Award. Winners across categories —including Innovation, Environmental Action, Supporting Healthy Lives, and more—will be announced in October.
All participants will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi (November 15–16) to share their best practices on the world stage.
T4 founder Vikas Pota remarked, “In a world reshaped by AI, climate, conflict and inequality, education with humans at its heart has never been more important… these schools offer profound hope and inspiration.”
This global recognition highlights Pakistan’s rising role in educational innovation, illustrating that even in challenging contexts, schools can transform lives by blending inquiry, equity, and community. As public voting opened yesterday for the Community Choice Award, Pakistanis are encouraged to rally support online.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
