History is not kind to idlers Indeed, to keep up with the ever-growing pace of the modern world it is necessary to reform and improve our education system, for the benefit of the general populace. Quality education is the right of every citizen of Pakistan, and the provision of education is an indispensable investment for achieving success in this age. Knowledge, training and skilled intelligence are the raw materials for a nations progress. A quality education system contributes to nation-building, by providing value-based education, which could transform students into future leaders. Unfortunately, due to the class divide and general poverty, only the more affluent sections of our society have access to quality education. To overcome this hurdle the Chief Minister of Punjab has taken bold measures by introducing the Danish School System. This unique project will be based on the pattern of the most prestigious institutions of Pakistan having high standard and modern facilities. The project will discover and groom talent and the capabilities of underprivileged students. This will make for the uplift of the society and better living standards in the long run. The school system will be established in remote areas of the province. Admissions will be from Class V onwards, and students will be selected after an entry test. The procedure of selection will be transparent, and based purely on merit. The schools will provide the students with hostel facilities, books and other basics. A well thought out teacher training programme will be initiated, and a comprehensive teacher selection criteria will be followed. There would be trained staff and management, capable of rendering counselling service to the students. This school system will not only provide high quality education, but also focus on extra-curricular activities, paying particular attention to the character building of students. In Phase One, schools will be set up in Bahawalpur Division, District Chishtian, Hasilpur and Rahimyar Khan. There will be separate schools for boys and girls at each place, each one having an area of 175,000 sq ft. The school premises in District Chishtian and Rahimyar Khan will cost approximately Rs 300 million, and in Hasilpur Rs 600 million. Around Rs 125 million have already been provided by the government, while more help is expected from the Pakistanis living abroad. Every school will have 400 to 500 students. The provincial government is considering the option of double shifts, so as to facilitate the education of more students. After graduating, the students will be required to serve their respective field for a period of five years. Modern educational facilities in backward areas of the province would go a long way in bringing them to the level of relatively more developed region. Our leadership is striving to bring the underprivileged children at par with the modern world; investing in the future leaders of Pakistan. Once they pass out from these institutions, they would be better able to serve the country as responsible citizens, specialists in their fields. It is safe to assume that the project has the potential to transform our society. In the long-term, the quality of research will improve and this in turn will create a new base for the development of the nation. The Danish School System will provide quality education for thousands of students, able to run a wide range of industries and businesses in Pakistan, and beyond. Initial steps have been taken and now proper execution and implementation is required, with time being a crucial factor. We have no doubt that the project would be a great success. The writer is a freelance columnist.