Category: Education

US Ambassador visits IBA’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development to endorse the startups landscap.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, for a networking meeting where Executive Director IBA, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi provided an overview of the IBA Karachi.

Director, IBA-CED, Dr. Lalarukh Ejaz presented a compelling overview of the center’s programs and initiatives. The ambassador was accompanied by U.S. Consul General in Karachi, Conrad Tribble; and Public Affairs Officer, Lee MacManis and others.

The Ambassador enthusiastically engaged in discussions with founders of several notable startups of IBA-CED, including Valeem, Logexcourier, Get Go Rides, Khud Muhafiz, and winners of IBA-CED’s GreenEnovate Waste Management Challenge Royella Trading, and Dominator Bio Tech. He commended their work and appreciated their vision behind the startups.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) launched its newest academic offering – a 1.5 year Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme while commemorating UNESCO’s sixth International Day of Education 2024.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Education is to promote inclusive and quality education for all. Faced with the daunting tasks in the country’s educational landscape fraught with discrepancies in educational standards, gender inequality in access to education, inadequate school facilities, and insufficient number of qualified teachers, the new programme seeks to address these challenges by offering capacity development of aspiring teachers and those in the early years of their teaching career. Articulating the aims of the new programme, Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, noted that it seeks ‘to make a significant educational impact by enhancing teacher status, increasing employability in both public and private sectors, providing international opportunities, and elevating the overall quality of teaching and learning.’ He observed that the ‘programme is more than an individual academic pursuit; it is envisioned to serve as a model of excellence in teacher development, contributing not only to the advancement of education in Pakistan but also beyond its borders.’ One of the distinguishing features of the B.Ed.

Programme is its flexibility, allowing individuals currently working either full-time or part-time to study for the degree. The inclusion of practicums, where student teachers (STs) will be placed in various schools, is a vital aspect of the journey. The new programme is underpinned by the same commitment to access to quality education, as all other AKU programmes are. Associate Professor Kim Insley from Institute of Education University College London (IoE), UK, remarked, “AKU-IED is embarking on developing a programme designed to empower teachers in schools to solve their own challenges in the classroom; to be critically thinking and reflective practitioners.” The launch of this programme comes in response to concerning statistics in the education landscape, including poor student learning outcomes, the crucial role of quality teaching, and a lack of formal training for a significant percentage of schoolteachers in the country. With a renewed commitment from governments towards teacher quality, as evidenced by policies like the teaching license policy in 2023 in Sindh, AKU-IED’s BEd programme seeks to address these challenges head-on.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The inaugural ceremony of Pakistan Learning Festival (PLF) 2024 unfolded here with a grandeur that set the tone of the day, dedicated to “Learning for People and Planet.” The Chief Guest, Secretary Education Punjab, Ahsan Waheed, graced the occasion with his presence.

The festivities began with a captivating band performance, and formally commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran. The national anthem, resonating through the Children Library Complex, which is also the co-host of the festival, was beautifully rendered through sign-language by children from Deaf Reach School. A warm welcome note was extended by Ahmad Khawar Shahzad, Managing Director of CLC Punjab, and Baela Raza Jamil, Founder of PLF & CEO ITA.

The event then came alive with the vibrant rendition of “PLF Tarana Hamain Kitab Chahiye” by the students of Sanjan Nagar, featuring lyrics by Zehra Nigah and composition by Rakae Jamil. Partner schools took the stage for a lively welcome performance, and the Kalam-e-Iqbal Special Education Department added a touch of inspiration. A significant moment in the ceremony included the launch of new children’s books by the Pakistan Literacy Project in collaboration with ITA, Room to Read (RTR), and three publishers.

Rumana Husain, Advisor PLF, and Joel Bacha from Room to Read. An engaging story enactment was presented by SKMZ, while partners such as the School Education Department (SED), PILAC, The British Council, and Oxford University Press expressed their voices in support of PLF.

The Chief Guest then declared Pakistan Learning Festival Lahore 2024 officially open, marking the beginning of a day filled with diverse activities. The day unfolded various riveting sessions, notable among which were “Suno Kahani Meri Zubaani (SKMZ)” dramatic storytelling, and an interactive session by Rumana Husain, called “Sitti’s Bird,” a poignant book by Palestinian author Malak Mattar. Atif Badar and Waqas Manzoor orchestrated a compelling theatrical performance titled “Learning through Role Play and Drama.” Through captivating role-playing and dynamic drama, the duo seamlessly blended entertainment with education, creating an immersive learning experience.

Alif Laila Book Bus Society (ALBBS) hosted an enjoyable session, ‘Storyteller Bus’, featuring engaging activities like Hand and Foot games, a Snake Ladder game, Book stalls, and Creative craft items. A special session by Children Library Complex (CLC) highlighted Women Role Models.

The session aimed to inspire and celebrate the contributions of women in roles exemplifying resilience and leadership, and emphasizing the importance of diverse and empowering narratives. Another engaging session, Science Fuse explored the Science of Rockets, Creating Human-sized Bubbles, The Magic of Numbers, Sir Newton’s Story, and Fire-Making. Simultaneously, the Khwarizmi Science Society presented an enlightening Aljazari Workshop, adding a hands-on dimension to the exploration of scientific concepts.

True to their commitment, the British Council continued their unwavering support for such festivals, seamlessly organizing a Popup Library alongside captivating storytelling sessions. Diverse sessions also took place covering subjects such as science shows, gymnastics, aerobics, illustrated stories, and a bilingual storytelling session conducted by Rumana Husain.

PLF embraced technology with workshops like VR Gaming Gear UP Series and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Art. Renowned artist and educator, Rumana Hussain, showcased 14 Pakistani Climate Heroes, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change. Throughout the day, PLF offered sessions on heritage, traffic rules awareness, and even a seminar by WWF representatives on Climate & Water Conservation.

The Children Library Complex added a fun touch with activities like aerobics, gymnastics, martial arts, and health and fitness. The day concluded with its last session where SOC Films curated an enriching selection of screenings, featuring compelling titles like “Quaid say Batain,” “HASHIYA,” and specially crafted short movies for children. This cinematic finale provided a thought-provoking and entertaining build-up to the finale concert featuring Sufi music by Fazal Jutt and Ahsan Abbas Wadalian.

Pakistan Learning Festival 2024 has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including British Council, Room to Read, LGS, PILAC, Beaconhouse School, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Agahi, Sighsavers, and Oxford University Press. The festival not only celebrated learning but also served as a platform to address critical issues facing Pakistan, such as climate change, education, and child protection. 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The Punjab government will extend its fullest support to a Sindh-based leading education sector non-profit whenever it decides to extend its schooling service to Punjab for educating children from the deprived and rural areas. The solemn assurance to this effect was extended by Punjab Health Minister, Prof Dr Javed Akram, as he spoke as the chief guest at a ceremony organised by the non-profit Green Crescent Trust (GCT) on the eve of International Day of Education. On the occasion, leading Lahore-based businessmen and industrialists lent support to the GCT’s charitable drive to enrol a total of 100,000 out-of-school children in Sindh by constructing 250 schools in backward and remote areas of the province. The Punjab Health Minister appreciated that the GCT in its 29 years-long journey had established 166 charitable schools in underprivileged areas of Sindh having an enrolment of 31,799 plus children from deprived families. He said that a leading non-profit by establishing such a vast network of charitable schools had genuinely shared the burden of the state whose solemn constitutional obligation is to provide quality education to each and every child in the country irrespective of his status and location. He praised that the GCT had recently extended the footprint of its charitable work for the first time beyond Sindh by establishing a charitable school in the Winder area of Hub district in Balochistan. He said the concerned charities should actively work to educate children from the underprivileged communities in Balochistan to support efforts to overcome the backwardness of the province. Dr Akram invited the GCT to extend its charitable work in the education sector to Punjab to enrol out-of-school children in the province. “Punjab government is fully available and will provide whatever support the GCT needs to establish its schools in rural and deprived areas of the province whether in the form of land, funding, or availability of trained teachers,” he said. He assured the audience that the Punjab School Education Department would work shoulder-to-shoulder with sincere charities and non-governmental organisations to educate children in remote and under-developed parts of the province. The Punjab Health Minister mentioned that educating a child from an underprivileged community meant providing support for ending the vicious circle of poverty for his entire family. Dr Shehla Javed Akram, the wife of the Punjab Health Minister who herself excelled as a woman entrepreneur, urged the charities in the education sector to strive hard to educate girls from deserving families to promote the cause of woman empowerment. Attending the fundraiser as a guest of honour, Balochistan Health Minister, Dr Amir Muhammad Jogezai, said the concerned NGOs and charities could play a vital role in providing quality education, health services, water supply, and other basic necessities of life to people in remote areas in Balochistan. He also greeted the GCT for establishing its first charitable school in Balochistan in Winder area. He assured the audience that the Balochistan government would provide the fullest support whenever the GCT and other education sector charities decided to extend the footprint of their charitable work in the province to enrol a greater number of children from destitute families in the province. GCT CEO, Zahid Saeed, expressed gratitude to the business community for extending uninterrupted support to the campaign of his non-profit to enrol out-of-school children in Sindh. He said it was high time that sincere NGOs, provincial governments, and the private sector joined hands and worked together to enrol millions of out-of-school children in the country aged between four and 16. He lamented that despite the expenditure of hundreds of billions of rupees annually the provincial governments couldn’t provide basic academic and infrastructure facilities at its schools. He said the concerned NGOs in the education sector and government by forging partnerships could jointly work to overcome the serious issues of the state-run schooling system.

Deaf Reach proudly hosted its 9th Annual Golf Tournament at the DHA Country and Golf Club (DACGC) in Karachi on January 21, 2024.

180 golf enthusiasts, with a total of 45 Flights, teed off to support the cause of Deaf education, with the generous sponsorship of KFC Pakistan as the tournament’s Platinum Sponsor, making it the biggest shotgun start tournament ever witnessed at the DACGC. The golfers’ community wholeheartedly came together to support this noble cause and enthusiastically participated in the tournament. All proceeds from the tournament go towards supporting the education and skills training of Deaf children enrolled in the eight Deaf Reach Schools and Colleges across Pakistan.

Notable Gold Sponsors for the tournament included Dubai Islamic Bank, Engro, Habib Metro Bank, IGI Life, Jubilee Insurance, and Pakistan Cables. Bank Alfalah, Alfalah Investments, and Emkay Lines extended their support as Silver Sponsors.

The winning team of the tournament was Team Mavericks, with Nadeem Iftikhar, Muhammad Qasim, Hamza Ghani, and Omar Intesar as part of the winning team. Additionally, the prestigious Hole-in-One award, which featured a Suzuki Swift, was won by Hasnain Nensey.

Richard Geary, Founder of Deaf Reach Schools Pakistan, expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors, players, and supporters, saying, “This event and the funds raised are the result of many people contributing their time and support to make a real difference in the lives of the children whom we serve. Our great thanks and appreciation to you all.”

Deaf Reach works to empower Deaf children. It is the only branch network of schools for the Deaf in Pakistan, providing a full-circle solution of education, skills training, teacher development, and parent training, along with an active Job Placement program for Deaf youth.

Visit www.deafreach.com to learn more and help us make education a reality for Deaf children in Pakistan.

OxfordAQA Redefines Educational Excellence in Pakistan: Official Launch Marks a New Era in Learning.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) OxfordAQA, one of the leading international examination boards along with Oxford University Press Pakistan announced the official launch of its qualifications in Pakistan through an engaging and enlightening event amongst 200 educationists including school heads, hosted at the picturesque Acton House at the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi. This expansion marks a significant milestone in OxfordAQA’s commitment to providing high-quality, internationally recognized assessments to students around the world.

With a rich history of delivering qualifications that are designed to bring out the very best of every learner, OxfordAQA is entering into the Pakistani education landscape with the expectation to enhance the learning experience for students and educators alike. The examination board is renowned for its rigorous standards, fair assessments, and dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement in education.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, and Director of Trade Pakistan, Sarah Mooney welcomed the guests, underscoring how the Oxford AQA examination is the optimal joint venture of two of the most well known and established organisations in the world of education today – AQA and Oxford University Press. She went on to highlight the importance of training and preparing students for life beyond school and how the Oxford AQA examination provides every student the best possible chance at excelling.

Also speaking at the event, Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, shared the reasons for the excitement around these qualifications, “The launch of OxfordAQA in Pakistan is a momentous occasion for the education sector. This collaboration between Oxford University Press and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of academic qualifications, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our students, preparing them to compete on the global stage with future-ready skills. OxfordAQA is the answer to all learners who seek fairness, transparency, and quality in learning. We have high hopes to see OxfordAQA enabling our students to shine globally, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on our education landscape.”

OxfordAQA places a strong emphasis on innovative teaching methods, as Andrew Coombe, Managing Director, OxfordAQA emphasized and explained how it utilizes the latest educational technologies to enhance the learning experience, “OxfordAQA offers a diverse range of subjects to cater to the varied interests and academic pursuits of students in Pakistan. From sciences to humanities, OxfordAQA’s qualifications are designed to encourage a holistic development of skills and knowledge. Students in Pakistan can now benefit from qualifications that are widely recognized by universities, employers, and educational institutions globally, and that open doors to opportunities both within the country and on the international stage. Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.”

Jamie Kirkaldy, Head of Teaching and Learning Support asserted OxfordAQA’s commitment to   fairness and equality in qualifications. He said, “The OxfordAQA examination board ensures that exams are accessible to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, fostering a level playing field for academic success. Why should students who speak English as a second language, and live outside the UK, be at a disadvantage when they take international exams? At OxfordAQA, we only test subject ability, not language skills or cultural knowledge – giving every student the best possible chance to show what they can do.”

OxfordAQA also provides ongoing high-quality professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their teaching skills and stay abreast of the latest educational trends. This focus on continuous improvement extends to the overall educational ecosystem.

Participants at the launch events agreed that OxfordAQA represents a huge opportunity for learners and educators alike, and enjoyed the interaction with representatives from Oxford University Press and OxfordAQA to discuss the future of education.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The curtains rose on the highly awaited Pakistan Learning Festival (PLF) 2024 during a momentous press conference at the Children’s Library Complex in Lahore. The event attracted a diverse gathering of distinguished speakers, media representatives, and avid supporters, setting the stage for an immersive experience dedicated to fostering learning, self-expression, and critical thinking.

The official dates for the Pakistan Learning Festival 2024 – 24th and 25th January — were unveiled, creating anticipation for an event that promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable one for people of all ages.

Compered by Shanaz Ramzi, CEO Starlinks, the conference kicked off with Ahmed Khawar, Managing Director, Children’s Library Complex Punjab, (CLC) extending a warm welcome to the attendees. Shehzad threw light on the role of Children’s Library Complex in hosting close to 50 events on their premises to date. Benysh Fatima, Director General PILAC spoke next, and mentioned that 17 gripping books were going to be launched at the Festival. Baela Raza Jamil, CEO Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi and Founder, Pakistan Learning Festival stated “Pakistan Learning Festival serves as a beacon of transformative learning experiences, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and children alike.

Our commitment is to create a platform that not only imparts knowledge but instills a lifelong love for learning.” Showcasing the collaborative efforts that fuel Pakistan Learning Festival’s success, Tahir Khan Assistant Director SED (School Education Department) and Farhan, Director CLC threw light on the participation of schools in the festival, and mentioned that 1000 special children would also be participating in it.

Also speaking on the occasion were the illustrators and authors who have worked tirelessly together along with the publishers to launch the beautiful children’s books at the Festival.

The conference outlined thematic strands that will weave through PLF 2024, emphasizing its commitment to diverse and holistic learning experiences. These strands include interactive workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, captivating exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and educational activities meticulously designed to unlock the intellectual and artistic potential of participants. 

The floor was open to queries, after which the event concluded with a networking session over high tea, providing an opportunity for participants to connect, share ideas, and savor refreshments in a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.

Already a landmark event in Pakistan’s education and cultural calendar, PLF 2024 is gaining momentum, supported by a network of partners, sponsors, and educationists. Attendees can anticipate a celebration of learning that transcends traditional boundaries, offering a unique and holistic experience.

Pakistan Learning Festival 2024, with its vibrant literature celebrations, will maintain its role as a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange and the celebration of Pakistan’s cultural richness through diverse sessions, and performances, backed by an expanding network of supporters including Candyland, Room to Read, Oxford University Press, British Council, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Agahi, Starlinks PR & Events, Sighsavers, and LGS.

Empowering Street Children and Transforming Communities: CIRCLE and GODH Unite for Impact

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) CIRCLE, a dynamic women-centric tech-enabled non-profit, founded in 2018, is on a mission to revolutionize the lives of 1 million low-income women across Pakistan by 2025. Specializing in digital literacy, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurial skills, CIRCLE stands out not only for its ambitious goals but also for its commitment to gender diversity – founded by women, with over 60% female board members and more than 90% female team members.

Since its inception in 2018, CIRCLE has been actively engaged in conducting both online and in-person training sessions for women and girls from low-income households. The organization boasts cutting-edge programs such as the Digital Literacy Program (DLP), Digital Acceleration Program (DAP), She Loves Tech (SLT), Tech Karo, and Elevate.

The Digital Literacy Program, launched in 2018 with the support of UN Women during the pandemic, has already made a substantial impact, training 5042 low-income women across 60+ locations in the country. This success showcases CIRCLE’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering women through technology.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, CIRCLE has joined forces with the Grass-Root Organization for Human Development (GODH), a Lahore-based non-profit civil society organization. Established in 1998, GODH has been tirelessly working on pro-poor community issues, particularly the rights and protection of children.

According to a recent survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), there are approximately 1.5 million street children in Pakistan, with a significant number residing in urban areas. In Lahore alone, an estimated 100,000 street children face various risks, including child labor, child marriage, substance abuse, and exploitation. These vulnerable children often lack access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and proper nutrition.

Under their joint project, 160 children from four communities will receive direct benefits through eight months of conventional and digital education. Furthermore, all 4605 community members, including 2058 children, will benefit from health camps, workshops, recreational activities, and various events. The project aims to increase access to education, digital literacy, improve health and hygiene, enhance livelihoods, provides parent and community training, offer recreational and sports activities, Conduct Theater and storytelling sessions, and increase community empowerment through collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Legal documentation will also be facilitated through the project.

Key figures and officials contributing to this initiative include SadafeAbid, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy for livelihood improvement; Nazir Ahmad Ghazi, addressing issues faced by slum communities; Muhammad, Superintendent of the Health Department in Lahore, highlighting government efforts; Nadeem Ashraf from the National Commission for Human Rights, addressing human rights violations; Sana Khawaja, Community Manager, shedding light on community issues and livelihoods; Mansoor Ahmad, DG Literacy, emphasizing the necessity of education; Ahmad Majeed, Child Law Expert, addressing child marriage, child labor, and harassment; and AndleesRizwan, Assistant Director NADRA, highlighting the importance of legal documentation.

This collaboration between CIRCLE and GODH signifies a powerful alliance working towards meaningful change. By combining efforts, both organizations aim to create a positive impact on education, digital literacy, health, hygiene, livelihoods, and overall community well-being.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Lahore In a rare move, the Lahore-based business fraternity will assemble at an event on the eve of International Day of Education to extend support to the noble drive of enrolling out-of-school children in Sindh. The non-profit Green Crescent Trust (GCT) is hosting the event at a hotel in Lahore to mark the International Day of Education which is celebrated on January 24 every year as per the UN’s declaration. On the occasion, the notables of Lahore’s business community will lend support to the charitable campaign of the GCT to enrol a total of 100,000 out-of-school children in Sindh by building a network of 250 schools by the end of 2025. The GCT in pursuit of its mission against illiteracy in Sindh in the past 29 years has built 166 charitable schools in remote and rural areas having an enrolment of over 31,799 children from the deprived families. “This is the fifth fundraiser we are going to organise in Lahore and like our past events we are hopeful that the business fraternity of Punjab’s capital in pursuit of their philanthropic obligations will again overwhelmingly support our drive to end illiteracy for the advancement of less-privileged parts of the country,” said Zahid Saeed, the GCT CEO. He said that it would be a rare get-together of Lahore’s business elite to be assembled to educate children from deprived families in the neighbouring province. He recalled that Punjab Governor, Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, who was the chief guest at the last year’s fundraiser had appreciated that Lahore’s businessmen extending support to the education of underprivileged children from Sindh were contributing a lot to the cause of national cohesion and integrity. Punjab Energy, Industries, and Commerce Minister, S. M. Tanveer, and Punjab Health Minister, Prof Dr Javed Akram, will be the chief guests on the occasion. Federal IT and Telecommunications Minister, Dr Umar Saif & Punjab Minister of Mines, Minerals & Transport, Ibrahim Hasan Murad are also likely to grace the occasion as Chief Guests.