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History of Maktab

Why was Maktab Established?

The original motivation behind founding this school

 

Pakistan, and in particular Lahore, has a rich and long history of excellence in education. Over time we have lost that love of learning and now view education narrowly, merely as a means of improving economic prospects.

Dr. Irfan Chaudhary obtained his B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  He returned to Pakistan after spending over a decade at MIT, an experience that profoundly shaped his thinking and formed the seed for starting Maktab. The original motivation for starting a school was to have a place in Pakistan where children would be given the opportunity to enrol in rigorous courses in mathematics, sciences, and computer science that would put them on par with the best in the world.

However, Maktab was always intended to be a comprehensive educational experience: a place that enriches not only the mind but the body and the soul. The school was meant to be an alternative to home-schooling: a small close-knit community that thrived by regenerating a culture that we have lost: a culture of learning, of mutual respect, of hard work, of community service, and of respecting and enjoying nature. 

 

By elegantly crafting computer code, or immersing in Khutoot-e-Ghalib, or proving abstruse problems in geometry, or composing and singing Faiz’s Hum Dekhen Gay, or discovering the law of conservation of mass, or learning Indian dribbling in hockey, or enjoying reading the library books under the shade of a dharaik (chinaberry) tree, or helping less fortunate children learn computer programming, Maktab students will become the harbingers of change.  They will take pride in Pakistan’s distinct identity – an identity that is borrowed neither from our western borders nor from our eastern borders but is unique to Pakistan.  They will enjoy Ghalib, Shakespeare, Faiz, and Sylvia Plath.  They will have their own well-researched and thought-out opinions. They will be respectful of others, but they will be natural leaders who will embrace challenges. The choice of challenges will be guided by their immense responsibility to their fellow human beings, to the earth, and to the future generations of mankind.  

Dr. Irfan Chaudhary

2012

Maktab is founded with Mrs. Irfan Chaudhary as head teacher and four students.

 

2013

Maktab is closed for construction.

 

2014

Maktab construction continues.

 

2015

The newly constructed campus opens its doors to students.

Mrs. Irfan Chaudhary is appointed the first Head of School.

Maktab Community Initiative is launched.

 

2016

Maktab launches its redesigned website.

Maktab holds its First Annual Prize Distribution.

Maktab performs its First Annual Play “Perchant of Venice”.

 

2017

Library makes a major book acquisition and doubles its collection to nearly 10, 000 books.

Participation in the Maktab Community Initiative made mandatory for Grade VIII students.

Students are organized into two houses: Rumi and Haytham.

Inayat Ullah Chaudhary Challenge Cup for the best House is inaugurated

2018

Maktab goes green by switching to solar power.

Maktab participates in the First Lego League. Qualifies for the national competition.

 Ayyam-e-Maktab launched.Maktab Student Handbook Compiled

2019

Independent sports competitions for boys and girls from Middle School and upwards are held.

 2020

Maktab launches its innovative and comprehensive online learning programme to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

 2021

Maktab launches its new website.

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