Category: Education

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) celebrated World Teachers’ Day with a focus on UNESCO’s theme- ‘The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.’

The event included a panel discussion featuring experts from the field of education including: Dr Faisal Bari, Dean, School of Education, Lahore University of Management Sciences; Dr Ghazala Siddiqui, Founder and Principal, Generation’s School; and Mr Afaq Ahmed, Lecturer, Government Elementary College for Education and Alumnus, Aga Khan University, moderated by Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean, AKU-IED.

In a message addressed to teachers on this special occasion, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President AKU, recognised their invaluable contributions and reaffirmed AKU’s commitment to building the capacity of teachers with the aim of supporting the development of a high-quality education system in Pakistan. He stated, “Through its teacher education programmes and professional development initiatives, AKU-IED is actively engaged in preparing and empowering teachers who have the potential to create a substantial positive impact in the lives of their students. To further this commitment, we, along with our partners, are training 1,000 education fellows for government schools in GB, with the goal of improving the education system in the region and addressing the shortage of quality school teachers.”

The panelists focused on the causes and consequences of the teacher shortage, as well as potential solutions to the problem.

 “A major rethinking is required in terms of educational policy. A commission needs to be formed which should provide policy guidelines for the next 5-10 years and its recommendations should be ratified by political stakeholders for continuity of this policy.” said Dr Bari.  They also highlighted the importance of quality teachers in ensuring quality education for all children. Pakistan has a shortage of over 1 million teachers and the shortage of teachers is particularly acute in rural areas and in subjects such as science and mathematics. 

“Teachers are at the heart of education recovery. Policymakers in public and private sectors need to address the impending challenges in the education sector through a holistic approach. Investment in developing skilled educational professionals for the digital age and remodeling educational policy viz-a-viz out-of-school children is the need of the hour,” said Professor Panjwani.

Dr Siddiqui highlighted that the teacher shortage is a global problem, and Pakistan is no exception. “We need to do more to attract and retain qualified teachers, and to invest in their professional development.”

 The celebration also included a musical performance and an ode to teachers, by the AKU-IED student body.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) 

To reaffirm its purpose of improving the lives and livelihoods of Pakistani people, a team from Jazz on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Alkhidmat Foundation’s Aghosh Orphanage in Sheikhupura. The visit reaffirmed Jazz’s unwavering support for the Aghosh Homes project, widely regarded as Pakistan’s premier orphanage initiative.

During their visit, the Jazz team spent quality time with the children, engaging in activities that brought smiles to young faces. The day was filled with joy as the team celebrated the birthdays of October-born kids, cutting cake and distributing gift bags. Earlier, the Jazz team also visited Alkhidmat Foundation’s head office in Lahore where they received a detailed briefing on the foundation’s operations and various humanitarian initiatives. 

Jazz’s enduring support for the Alkhidmat Foundation has been particularly impactful during times of crisis. Following the devastating 2022 floods, Jazz contributed generously to the Alkhidmat Foundation, aiding flood relief efforts. The company’s employees also voluntarily contributed to the foundation’s efforts. 

Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Fatima Akhtar, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Jazz, said, “Jazz is honored to support the Alkhidmat Foundation in providing essential services to communities in need. Our commitment to social welfare remains unwavering and is creating a positive impact on lives.”

Jazz’s commitment to facilitating social change is further demonstrated through JazzCash, which streamlines donation payments to the Alkhidmat Foundation. The collaboration has also seen Jazz-supported Mobile Health Unit to provide critical healthcare to flood-affected people in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

A transformative collaboration has been initiated by Beaconhouse, the largest education network in Pakistan, with Tech Valley, the partner for Google for Education in Pakistan. The initiative is aimed at revolutionizing educational experiences for over 100,000 students across Pakistan. This collaboration integrates Google Chromebooks with Google for Education’s Education Plus Workspace, a comprehensive suite that provides a multitude of educational tools and features. The approach aims to foster enriched learning, enhanced collaboration, and a secure learning environment.

Under the partnership, Tech Valley is offering Beaconhouse a comprehensive teacher training programme in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The training, facilitated by a Google Certified Educator, touches on the technical aspects of Google for Education tools and devices. It emphasizes pedagogical methods and inclusive technology practices, thereby ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive approach to education.

The training aligns with Beaconhouse’s vision to incorporate technology as a crucial instrument to enhance the teaching and learning experience. It integrates technology into instruction, further strengthening relationships among teachers, students, and parents. This integrated approach not only bridges accessibility gaps but also encourages the use of innovative methods to impart quality education.

Chief Operating Officer of Beaconhouse, Mr Ali Ahmad Khan, stated, “We are confident that this partnership with Tech Valley and Google for Education will add significant value to our students’ learning journey by fostering collaboration and inclusivity, and enable us to take the next step towards excellence in education.”

CEO of Tech Valley, Mr Umar Farooq, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Our collaboration with Beaconhouse is a testament to our commitment to modernizing education in Pakistan. With Education Plus licenses and innovative teacher training, we aim to provide an enriched learning experience to students while equipping educators with the tools they need to excel in the digital age.”

This initiative aspires to pioneer a brighter future for education in Pakistan, harnessing the potential of technology to support the next generation of learners, educators, and leaders, promoting a holistic and rewarding educational experience for all.

Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKU Health Services, Pakistan, emphasized, “This is a remarkable moment for the Aga Khan University and its Hospitals, and it underscores our commitment to delivering excellence in healthcare. Achieving SafeCare Level 5 certification is a testament to the dedication of our staff and our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of patient care.”

Earning Level 5 certification is a remarkable feat, achievable only by institutions that consistently demonstrate high-quality standards across the full spectrum of SafeCare Service Elements. This certification signifies that Aga Khan Hospitals have consistently upheld exceptional standards across various aspects of patient care, safety, and overall healthcare service delivery. Additionally, it reflects our commitment to not merely meeting but surpassing stringent benchmarks.

Dr Mairaj Shah – Chief Operating Officer, AKUH Off-Campus Hospitals noted, “The SafeCare Level 5 Certification is not just an acknowledgment of our hospitals’ excellence, it’s a reflection of our core values and our relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. We understand the importance of providing safe and high-quality healthcare, and this certification reaffirms our commitment to our patients and communities.”

The SafeCare certification serves as a resounding endorsement that health facilities provided by AKUH adhere to internationally recognized quality and safety standards. Moreover, it also stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication of the Aga Khan Hospitals in delivering the highest standards of healthcare services to its patients.

Four Days is bringing 74 artists from 14 countries to Lahore for a 4-day long festival at 9 venues across the city.

Festival details:
Website: https://fourdays.digital/
Dates: 12 – 15 October, 2023

Lahore (Qasim Ali)  In a unique initiative to celebrate the emerging digital arts culture of Pakistan, the city of Lahore is thrilled to host the “Four Days – Digital Arts Festival” from October 12 to 15, 2023. This multi-venue festival is a kaleidoscope of exceptional digital artworks, diverse collaborations, and transformative dialogues designed to foster creative exchange and experimental expression within the vibrant digital art scene.

The Four Days Festival, organized by Lahore Digital Arts Festival, implemented by The Little Art, and co-curated by Najam Ul Assar and Sarah Rajper, will run from 12 to 15 October 2023, and aims to explore the dynamic intersection of art and technology, with an ambition to honour and expand the dialogues around art accessibility in Pakistan and South Asia. The festival is a communal space of exploration, where artists, designers, scientists, enthusiasts, and experts from 14 nations converge to examine and appreciate the multi-faceted realm of digital creativity.

“This is our biggest festival yet, with this we hope that we inspire next generation of digital artists to continue working on their ideas and not be afraid about the market acceptance of their works” said co-curator, Najam Ul Assar.
 
“The Four Days Festival is not just a celebration; it’s a thoughtful inquiry and collective contemplation into the boundless possibilities of art and technology collaborations that transcend geographical limits, and we are celebrating these possibilities in Lahore” said the Festival Director, Shoaib Iqbal.

Attendees will experience the rich tapestry of diverse digital art scene, showcased in nine distinct venues ranging from historical sites, eminent art galleries and renowned educational and cultural institutions.

The festival venues include:
● Aangun – Center for Learning and Culture
● Beaconhouse National University
● Daftarkhwan Downtown
● HAAM Gallery
● Institute of Art and Culture
● Lahore Museum
● National College of Arts
● Numaish Gah
● The Colony

These venues are meticulously curated to offer varied perspectives at locations across Lahore, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nuanced expressions of digital arts. An impressive ensemble of 74 artists from 14 nations are presented this year at the Festival at 9 venues across the city.

This year, the Festival is supported by EUNIC (EU National Institutes of Culture) Cluster Fund, to produce an ambitious program of activities including a research report, and an international conference. The project is also supported by EUNIC Cluster – Pakistan members, including Austria, France and Alliance française, Germany and the Goethe Institute, Italy and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Czech Republic, as well as the Delegation of the European Union in Pakistan.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The 22nd Young Leaders Conference (YLC) kicked off its second day with the theme “NEXT IS DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY,” setting the stage for a day of exploration and growth. Waqar Ali took the lead as the day’s champion, emphasizing the importance of developmental leadership, sustainability, and mindfulness in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Participants gathered after breakfast to receive insights from Waqar Ali on developmental leadership, highlighting adaptability, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Sustainability was a key focus, emphasizing the integration of sustainable practices into leadership. The importance of mindfulness in leadership, fostering self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, was also underscored.

The day was packed with enriching activities, starting with Waqar’s activity related to countries which energized the participants. Irfan Mustafa engaged participants with an exploration of Pakistan’s potential. Case studies on sustainable development were thoroughly examined, while afternoon learn shops provided valuable skills, including sign language and crowdfunding.

There was an activity in collaboration with J. which was designed to explore personal branding/ personal image through the lens of style and self-preferences.

This time J. did setup on Personal Branding Vanity Area, and divided them into separate gents and ladies’ wardrobes respectively, with a wide collection of J. clothes and accessories arranged elegantly.

It was an empowering segment where participants understood the significance of personal branding and Importance of balancing the perception with their personal brand while allowing J. to have a meaningful connection with the participants and establishing a lasting impact on their personal and professional branding.

After this, there were 4 breakout sessions on Sign Language, Art Therapy, Developmental Drama and Crowdfunding.

Waqar Ali conducted a session on personal branding, enhancing participants’ self-presentation skills. Dr. Taha Sabri addressed the rising challenges of mental health. Spotlight sessions featured industry experts and activists, offering diverse perspectives. Kamran Rizvi led an activity focusing on reaffirming core values and reinforcing the conference’s mission.

The day concluded with an entertaining theater performance, leaving participants inspired and motivated. YLC’s commitment to shaping future leaders, with a focus on development and sustainability, remains unwavering in its 22nd year.

Special thanks to our partners who made YLC 2023 possible for us: EBM, Pathfinder, Kapco, Hubco, J., Feroze 1888, DKT, KFC, Ismail Industries, Holiday express, Amwaj, SoLF, Carnelian, Nucleus, Torque, Jang Media Group, Catalyst, ALIF, UPSTAIRS, Carving, Movenpick.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaird College for Women, an institution renowned for its dedication to fostering holistic development, has meticulously curated an impressive array of short courses. These courses are meticulously designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate sustainable development.

The diverse range of offerings includes Fashion & Textile Designing, Interior Designing, Graphic Designing, Digital Marketing, Food and Nutrition Sciences, Psychology, Painting and Sketching, Human Resource Management, Communication Skills, and Personality Development. The Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development recognizes that education serves as the catalyst for change.

Through specialized programs in fields such as Fashion & Textile Designing, Interior Designing, and Graphic Designing, KCLCD not only nurtures creativity but also opens pathways for women to excel in the fiercely competitive worlds of design and art. In an era where digital marketing has become the lifeblood of businesses, the Digital Marketing course at Kinnaird College equips women with the skills to deftly navigate the virtual landscape, positioning them as leaders in the digital realm.

This course underscores the institution’s commitment to remaining relevant and staying ahead of the curve. Furthermore, Kinnaird College’s courses in Food and Nutrition Sciences, Psychology, Painting and Sketching, Human Resource Management, and Communication Skills empower women to explore diverse career paths and make substantial contributions to various sectors.

In doing so, KCLCD plays a pivotal role in reducing inequalities and advancing the cause of social justice. These courses are more than just skill acquisition; they encompass holistic development. Placing a strong emphasis on personality development and effective communication skills, Kinnaird College grooms women to become confident leaders who can articulate and advocate for change. The impact of these courses on women’s lives is profound. Graduates of KCLCD’s short courses have reported significant increases in their salaries and more employment opportunities. This empowerment has paved the way for economic independence and financial stability, further contributing to the reduction of poverty.

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development is making significant contributions to several UN Sustainable Development Goals including Quality Education, Zero Hunger, Reducing Poverty, Peace and Social Justice, Reducing Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Economies.

The dedication of Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development to women’s empowerment and sustainable development is nothing short of commendable. By nurturing talents and providing transformative opportunities, KCLCD, is illuminating the path towards a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Young Leaders Conference (YLC) proudly enters its 22nd year with an inspiring theme, “Next is now, or never.” Over 220 energetic participants from across Pakistan will gather at Karachi’s Movenpick Hotel for a 6-day event featuring leadership training, influential speakers, and skills workshops. YLC’s founders, Kamran Rizvi, Team SoL, and Umair Jaliawala, along with valued partners, welcomed attendees, ensuring the conference’s success.

Umair Jaliawala led day 1 with Team SoL. Kamran Rizvi, Senior Consultant and Co-Founder of SoL, delivered an impactful diversity presentation, highlighting unity in our diverse world. Team Zahrsss added energy with motivating performances and songs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

EBM, co-presenter this year, was represented by their Executive Director, Mr. Shahzain Munir. Shahzain passionately spoke about the enduring 22-year partnership between YLC and EBM, highlighting how YLC has nurtured young minds, equipped them with essential skills, and inspired leadership in various fields. He emphasized EBM’s role in empowering youth and turning their ideas into successful ventures.

Shahzain’s speech concluded with a sense of gratitude and optimism, followed by a celebration where Team SoL & EBM marked 22 years of YLC by cutting a cake.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic team-building activities, including “What’s My NEXT?” led by Waqar Ali, fostering leadership perspectives and forward-thinking visionaries.
Umair Jaliawala facilitated a team-building activity where participants bonded, created team flags, chants, and names, promoting camaraderie and fun.

The thought-provoking “Break the Cage” segment by Umair Jaliawala encouraged attendees to break self-imposed limitations and unlock their potential.
The day culminated in the expressive “Let’s Musify it” activity with Team Zahrsss and two rappers, allowing participants to channel their creativity through music, expressing their inner voices and aspirations.
YLC’s 22nd year is dedicated to the theme “Next is now, or never,” reaffirming our commitment to harnessing youth energy for a brighter future.

Special thanks to our partners who made YLC 2023 possible for us: EBM, Pathfinder, Kapco, Hubco, J., Feroze 1888, DKT, KFC, Ismail Industries, Holiday express, Amwaj, SoLF, Carnelian, Nucleus, Torque, Jang Media Group, Catalyst, ALIF, UPSTAIRS, Carving, Movenpick.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) 

The Aga Khan University launched its Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) today, diversifying its academic offerings and giving students access to a uniquely multifaceted education. AKU’s first new faculty in Pakistan in 30 years, FAS ushers in a new chapter for the University, expanding its programmes beyond the health sciences and teacher education into an array of new fields. FAS students will have the option of majoring in either Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Social Development Studies; Philosophy, Politics and Economics; or Human and Environmental Biology. Whatever profession they wish to pursue, FAS graduates will be prepared to compete and collaborate with the world’s best.

The launch of the FAS undergraduate programme represents a profound transformation in the University’s academic portfolio. It solidifies the institution’s position as a leading provider of diverse undergraduate and graduate programmes.

“The Faculty of Arts and Sciences embodies our Chancellor’s vision of providing the best educational opportunities to students in Pakistan and the developing world through inclusion, diversity and expanded access to world-class education,” AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin said. “This vision extends beyond the cultivation of top-tier health care professionals, aiming to nurture individuals who will invigorate civil society, advocate for good governance, drive social and economic progress, foster appreciation for pluralism and promote ethical conduct.”

The inaugural FAS class, comprising almost 100 students from across Pakistan, is set to embark on its educational journey. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, FAS utilizes a needs-sensitive admission process. This means that students are admitted based on merit, regardless of their ability to pay, and substantial financial assistance is available.

“We’re building on what has worked so effectively in some of the great institutions around the world, like Harvard, Yale, Middlebury or Reed,” FAS Dean Stephen Lyon said. “Bringing together multiple disciplines enables a learning environment that cultivates well-rounded people prepared for multifaceted careers, engaged citizenship and enriching lives that make a genuinely positive contribution to society.”

With the launch of FAS, the University is seeking to meet world-class standards in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, just as it has in medicine and other fields. FAS seeks to empower a diverse group of young scholars, enabling them to emerge as accomplished intellectuals who actively contribute to a brighter future for our nation.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaird College for Women Lahore Empowers Women, Achieves UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Fuels Economic Independence.

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development (KCLCD) emerges as a beacon of empowerment and skill-building, leading the charge in advancing quality education, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable cities and economies while fervently championing a multitude of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and an array of transformative short courses, KCLCD at Kinnaird College for Women Lahore is illuminating the path towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaird College for Women, an institution renowned for its dedication to fostering holistic development, has meticulously curated an impressive array of short courses. These courses are meticulously designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate sustainable development. The diverse range of offerings includes Fashion & Textile Designing, Interior Designing, Graphic Designing, Digital Marketing, Food and Nutrition Sciences, Psychology, Painting and Sketching, Human Resource Management, Communication Skills, and Personality Development.

The Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development recognizes that education serves as the catalyst for change. Through specialized programs in fields such as Fashion & Textile Designing, Interior Designing, and Graphic Designing, KCLCD not only nurtures creativity but also opens pathways for women to excel in the fiercely competitive worlds of design and art.

In an era where digital marketing has become the lifeblood of businesses, the Digital Marketing course at Kinnaird College equips women with the skills to deftly navigate the virtual landscape, positioning them as leaders in the digital realm. This course underscores the institution’s commitment to remaining relevant and staying ahead of the curve.

Furthermore, Kinnaird College’s courses in Food and Nutrition Sciences, Psychology, Painting and Sketching, Human Resource Management, and Communication Skills empower women to explore diverse career paths and make substantial contributions to various sectors. In doing so, KCLCD plays a pivotal role in reducing inequalities and advancing the cause of social justice. These courses are more than just skill acquisition; they encompass holistic development. Placing a strong emphasis on personality development and effective communication skills, Kinnaird College grooms women to become confident leaders who can articulate and advocate for change.

The impact of these courses on women’s lives is profound. Graduates of KCLCD’s short courses have reported significant increases in their salaries and more employment opportunities. This empowerment has paved the way for economic independence and financial stability, further contributing to the reduction of poverty. Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development is making significant contributions to several UN Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education: Kinnaird College ensures that women have access to high-quality short courses, thereby advancing the cause of quality education. Zero Hunger: The Food and Nutrition Sciences program equips women with knowledge about nutrition and food security, contributing to the global mission of achieving zero hunger. Reducing Poverty: By enhancing women’s skills and employability, Kinnaird College is playing a vital role in poverty reduction.

Peace and Social Justice: Through education and skill development, the institution fosters peace and social justice in society. Reducing Inequalities: Kinnaird College actively works towards reducing inequalities by empowering women from diverse backgrounds. Sustainable Cities and Economies: The institution’s courses in design, digital marketing, and human resource management significantly contribute to the development of sustainable cities and economies.

The dedication of Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development to women’s empowerment and sustainable development is nothing short of commendable. By nurturing talents and providing transformative opportunities, KCLCD, is illuminating the path towards a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future.