In a groundbreaking move, Punjab’s Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education Department has announced the hiring of matric-qualified transgender individuals as teachers for its newly established adult education centers across the province.
The initiative, launched under the slogan “Read, Write, Develop,” aims to promote literacy among marginalised communities while providing employment opportunities to transgender persons.
The programmw will establish 180 centers—five in each district, including Rawalpindi—each accommodating 25 to 30 students. These centers will offer basic literacy education, including reading and writing skills, over a three-month session, after which participants will receive certificates recognizing their progress.
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Salaries and challenges
The department has opened applications for teaching positions to candidates aged 18 to 55, offering a monthly salary of Rs12,500. While the inclusion of transgender teachers is being widely celebrated, concerns have been raised over whether the modest salary will attract qualified educators and ensure the sustainability of educational standards.
The initiative also invites male and female teachers to apply, underscoring inclusivity and equal opportunities. Applications remain open until November 30.
Expanding literacy efforts to prisons
In an extension of its literacy drive, the department is also targeting Punjab’s prisons. Two centers will be established in each of the province’s 39 correctional facilities, where educated inmates will teach literacy skills to fellow prisoners. This innovative approach aims to foster educational growth within the prison system, promoting rehabilitation and skill-building among inmates.
Officials have hailed the program as a transformative step toward inclusive education, particularly for the transgender community, while addressing the province’s broader literacy challenges. By blending employment and education opportunities, the initiative seeks to uplift marginalised populations and create a more equitable society.
