College of Home Economics

The R.L.A.K. Government College of Home Economics is an all-girls college, established in 1955 in Gulberg,^[1] Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Currently considered an affiliated college of the University of the Punjab, the College of Home Economics is most noted for its associated with the Ford Foundation at Oklahoma State University. The Ford Foundation monitors the academic guidelines of the college and provides fellowships for its teachers, while all financial issues are overseen by the government of Pakistan. The Ford Foundation also regularly appointed two advisors to the college, tasked with guiding the creation of syllabi and establishing graduation programs. This responsibility now falls exclusively to the University of the Punjab.

The College of Home Economics awards both bachelors and masters degrees through Punjab University. Honors and Masters courses are available in Food and Nutrition, Housing, Home Management and Interior Design, Human Development and Family Studies, Art and Design, and Textiles & Clothing. As of 2007 estimates, the college serves approximately 1600 students with a faculty of 80 teachers.

The current principal is Dr. Samia Kalsoom,^[1] who was herself educated at the college.

Other institutions

• The original College of Home Economics is in U.S.A.^{[citation needed]}
• There is an Egyptian College of Home Economics But it's not all-girls. The 3 departments for boys and girls as well since 1980.^{[citation needed]}

Vision of Ford Foundation ^TOP

Establishment of RLAK Colleges of home Economics Karachi started in 1952 with support from the Ford Foundation (USA) and APWA. Ford Foundation provided all the funds for building, books and training of staff while Pakistan Government provided the Land. APWA was an active member of governing council and an administrative liaison between Ford Foundation and Pakistan Government. Oklahoma State University, USA assisted in making of curriculum and syllabi, establishment of college and training of teachers in Karachi. Its name at that time was Domestic Science College. Eleanor Roosevelt installed the foundation stone of the College. College worked as semi independent public institution under the management of governing council. Federal government paid the salaries of staff and provided budget for the running of the college. The first batch of students was admitted in 1955. Masters education started in CHE Karachi in 1961 and staff was sent of overseas training till 1971. Board of secondary and higher secondary education was responsible for examining intermediate students and Karachi University for graduate and post graduate students.

Administrative Controls and Public Contributions ^TOP

In 1972 college was given to provincial Government. College was to be run as a professional college. However for some unknown reason that status was never realized. The system of training of staff was could not be continued; and the recruitment of new staff was neither done solely on the basis of merit nor according to needs of the college. Allocation of budget to college was not done according to its needs and it was treated as an ordinary graduate college. Though college did not get much support in terms of staff training, equipment, recurring expenses etc the provincial government supported the college by constructing new blocks of buildings in year 1991 and initiate another renovation scheme in year 2005. In 2001 education dept Government of Sind the authority to give admission in 1st year was taken from the college administration. Due to lack of flexibility in choice of faculty and complexity and weaknesses of the system it resulted in decline in number of applicants and lowering of academic standard of successful applicants

Contributions of Private Sector ^TOP

Individuals and groups from Private sector for example: National foods (pvt.) ltd, Efroze Chemicals, Rangoonwala Trust, Thai Embassy etc; have been very supportive to the college and has provide support in establishment and enrichment of labs, temporary provision of teachers, award of medals, provision of books, building of auditorium, extension of library etc.

Academic Growth^TOP

In spite of all the constraints and hurdles, the college teachers continued to put in efforts to enhance the standard of education and Specialization in various areas of home economics started at CHE Karachi in1992 and four year BS program in year 2008. Sind and Baluchistan lag behind other provinces in terms of doctoral level education in home economics. In order to assure provision of home economics expertise from within the province, in our Province doctoral has taken all necessary measures for starting Ph.D. level education through Karachi University, however its current status could be a hindrance. It is hoped that college would succeed in getting status of degree awarding institution soon and would be able to support higher education in home economics as required. INSHALLAH.

Discipline ^TOP

The college has an exemplary discipline and in terms of regularity of classes and punctuality of student and staff has unmatched high standards. For all the subjects of home-economics student get all the required teaching at the college and do not need any private tuition. There is an excellent system of documentation of students and staff performance that is a great help in monitoring and maintaining discipline and academic standards.

Buildings ^TOP

RLAK CHE buildings are spread over an area of 24 acres of land. In addition to classrooms labs and library the college has hostel building, auditorium, and residences within the premises.

Current Principal is Prof.Dr. Rubina Hakim . PHD Foods and Nutrition UK

References

1. ^ ^{a b} ‘Education govt’s top priority’, The Nation, January 09, 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-18.

See also

• Official website.
• Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics
• Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan