Pakistan coalition for Education (PCE) is a coalition of civil society partners and individuals joined together to raise voice on the issued surrounding the education in Pakistan and advocate the same. PCE works in more than 65 districts with 200 members including local community based organisations (CBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Parents and Teachers Associations (PTCs), civil society networks on women and child rights and education and equality importantly with media

6^th Annual convention of PCE was held at Hotel Margalla on 30^th of December, 2015 organised by the PCE secretariat situated in Islamabad. The participants were warmly welcomed by the Ms. Kaneez Zehra (National Coordinator PCE) & brief workings done at national & provincial level in collaboration with PCE members was shared. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the 10 years of success of this forum & highlight another importance issue of safe schools & education in Pakistan.  The CSOs, education sector experts & politicians were invited to discuss the agenda around three panel discussions. The panel discussion was facilitated by the moderator Ms. Amima Sayeed (Chairperson - PCE). The topics of discussion for each panel were:

Panel 1: Making education safe again

Panel 2: Empowering the nation through changing education

Panel 3: Consultation on National Education policy

HOPE’87 Pakistan participated under the panel 1 discussion where each panellist shared their viewpoint on making the schools safe. Keeping in view the constitutional amendment under Article 25(a), the right to education was discussed and highlighted. The unfortunate event of APS attack was also highlighted and the measures to make school more safe were discussed. Moreover, the panellist discussed the aspect of physical education in schools (particularly for girls) to make them well prepared for self-defence and courage to encounter the security incidents. The workings of NGOs on structural & non-structural measures in schools were appreciated by the panellists but it was recommended to work more on policy measures.

At the end of session, the participants were invited to ask questions from the panellists where a no. of members shared their experiences on lack of safe schools from different parts of the country. The session ended with a note of thanks to the panellists and appreciated their participation.