CalSouthern Continues its Distance Learning Outreach in Pakistan

You could call it the ultimate example of distance learning.

California Southern University, the school that helped pioneer distance learning in 1978, is continuing with its mission of helping Pakistani universities establish online programs that allow local students to earn U.S.-accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees remotely in their home country. A CalSouthern delegation led by President Emeritus Gwen Finestone, PhD, returned from the school’s fourth trip to Pakistan in February 2020 and has been hard at work ever since.

CalSouthern has been active in Pakistan since 2017 when it partnered with CALPAK Education Services, a U.S.-based nonprofit agency committed to educating all children of Pakistan – especially girls and underserved communities, one adopted school at a time – to form the CalSouthern-CALPAK Collaboration.

A recent documentary showcases the impact this program is making on those it serves. Watch below to learn how this collaboration is changing lives.

Together, CalSouthern and CALPAK are transcending borders and providing in-country educational opportunities in collaboration with Pakistani universities, organizations and government ministries.

To date, the Collaboration has accomplished the following:

• Partnered with leading Pakistani universities in Karachi, Sindh, to provide education assistance, curriculum development, and teacher and staff training.
• Created a CalSouthern certificate pilot program for IQRA University faculty. To date, more than 40 IQRA University professors and teachers have completed a live, online lecture series titled, “Global Trends in Education: Leveraging Learning Technology for Better Student Engagement.”
• Sponsored four Pakistani public elementary schools established by the Collaboration in underserved communities in Tharparker and Karachi, Sindh. Through this effort, more than 700 Pakistani children received expanded education, plus a school uniform, desk, computer, and basics such as pencils, notebooks, shoes, and socks. Solar energy and clean water systems were also installed at each school.

CalSouthern’s work in Pakistan is part of the University’s larger commitment to corporate social responsibility. The effort aims to advance learning in the areas of business, education, nursing, and faculty training – while also reducing brain-drain and stimulating native employment, especially for women in underserved communities.

To learn more about CALPAK, visit their website or check them out on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.