Category: Education

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Oxford University Press (OUP) Pakistan and Beaconhouse, Pakistan’s largest network of private schools announced a strategic partnership to offer OxfordAQA International GCSEs and A-levels in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the country’s educational landscape.

Under this MoU, Beaconhouse schools will administer OxfordAQA examinations with support from Oxford University Press in Pakistan. The school will provide secure examination venues across Pakistan, enabling students nationwide to take OxfordAQA exams.

OxfordAQA is a provider of international qualifications, offering a range of international GCSEs, AS & A-levels to schools all around the world. It is a partnership between Oxford University Press (a department of the University of Oxford) and AQA, by far the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels.

 

OxfordAQA is an international exam board, operating as a partnership between Oxford University Press and AQA, the UK’s largest provider of GCSEs and A-levels. It is the fastest growing international exam board and offers a range of International GCSEs and A Levels, including the three compulsory subjects – Islamiyat, Pakistan Studies, and Urdu. You can find more information on OxfordAQA qualifications at:  https://www.oxfordaqa.com/

Talking about the partnership, Managing Director of OxfordAQA, Andrew Coombe said “Fair assessment in education can be life-changing, determining whether students receive grades that reflect their abilities. At OxfordAQA, we’ve developed a unique Fair Assessment approach for our international GCSE, AS, and A-level exams providing all students an equal opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills”.

CEO Beaconhouse, Kasim Kasuri, commented on the partnership saying, “Beaconhouse believes in empowering students by providing them with multiple pathways to success, and this collaboration is a significant step in that direction. It adds to our diverse range of international qualifications that provide students with the best educational opportunities that not only enrich their academic experience but also prepare them to excel in a competitive international landscape.”

Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, Pakistan said “This strategic partnership will enable us to provide high-quality, globally recognized qualifications to students in Pakistan, as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century”.

Schools who are interested in working with OxfordAQA, can complete an expression of interest form available at: https://www.oxfordaqa.com/become-an-oxfordaqa-school/

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The 3rd Annual Biological Sciences Conference, themed ‘#TrailblazingOnwards,’ celebrated the Aga Khan University’s (AKU) 40th year of excellence in research and education. This conference provided biological science researchers within the country a platform to showcase basic science and mechanistic studies in various fields of human and animal biological sciences, as well as gathered experts from the scientific community to share ideas and build collaborations in the field. National and international speakers, oral presentations and poster displays on cancer biology, infectious diseases, multiomics, stem cells and regenerative medicine, functional foods and natural products, neurosciences, artificial intelligence and healthcare, as well as teaching, learning and assessment in training programmes were all featured at the one-day conference. The oral presentation brought together experts from AKU, but also from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Ziauddin University, Salim Habib University, University of Karachi, NED, Mohammad Ali Jinnah University and Dow University. “The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at AKU is committed to enhancing scholarship and research responsive to the needs of the country and to the success of its students and trainees through transformative learning experiences,” said Dr Kulsoom Ghias, Chair of the BBS Department. “The annual biological sciences conference is an excellent opportunity to bring researchers together, to network, build collaborations and showcase impactful scholarship.” Participants also got a chance to listen to Dr Aamir Ahmed, Cell and Development Biology, University College London, UK who spoke about Wnt signaling and its use in translational therapies via small molecules to combat multiple cancers and making chemotherapy more accessible. Dr Fatima Khwaja Rehman from the University of North Florida, USA also presented cutting edge research on cancer stem cells. Dr Muhammad Tariq from LUMS spoke about epigenetic factors involved in cell fate maintenance while Professor Rizwan Ahmed Khan from Salim Habib University explored the role of AI in medical imaging and healthcare. Pre-conference workshops on artificial intelligence, animal sciences, and reference managers played a crucial role in equipping participants with advanced skills and tools. “These workshops significantly enhanced research methodologies and the application of technology, contributing to exploring new frontiers within the field of biological sciences,” explained AKU Associate Professor, Dr Sadia Fatima.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Kinnaird College for Women, a pioneer in women’s education, proudly organized a side event at the United Nations Social Forum hosted at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. This distinguished event, themed “Economic Empowerment Through Innovation,” focused on the catalytic role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in forging sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for women globally.

This groundbreaking session showcased inspirational success stories of women entrepreneurs who have excelled in the fields of science and technology, effectively breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow suit. The event garnered significant attention as it provided a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration on the intersection of women’s empowerment and technological innovation.

Mr. Rizwan Anwar, Global Youth Ambassador of the United Nations, delivered a compelling address, shedding light on the crucial role of women in STI and emphasizing the importance of empowering women globally. Other distinguished speakers included Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women participated through video link , Ms. Maha Jamil, Director of KCLCD at Kinnaird College for Women, and Mr. Victor Osvaldo, Development Consultant from Madrid.

Kinnaird College for Women made history as the only institution from South Asia given the opportunity to organize a parallel event at the UN Social Forum, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to women’s education and empowerment.

The event’s expected outcomes included inspiration for women, encouraging women to pursue careers and entrepreneurship in science and technology, Knowledge Sharing, facilitating the exchange of successful strategies and best practices for economic empowerment and building Support Networks creating a robust network of support for women in STI fields.

This side event aligns seamlessly with Kinnaird College’s mission to empower women through education and innovation, contributing to the broader theme of leveraging STI for human rights by showcasing tangible examples of its positive impact on women’s economic empowerment.

Kinnaird College for Women remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and looks forward to continuing its efforts in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for women worldwide.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) has signed an agreement with the Education Department, Government of Balochistan, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop the capacity of curriculum, textbook, and teacher training bodies in the province. The project is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the European Union (EU).

Under the project, AKU-IED will provide technical assistance and work in close collaboration with the Education Department’s technical subsections, including the Bureau of Curriculum, Balochistan Textbook Board, Provincial Institute of Teacher Education, Directorate of Education (Schools), and Balochistan Examination and Assessment Commission.

“Our Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, has always focused on providing the highest quality of education to equip children with the skills and knowledge needed to bring about positive change in the world they live in and AKU-IED has been achieving that mission by developing outstanding teachers and improving the quality of education for all children,” said AKU President, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin. “This project is another great example of our collaboration with the public sector to strengthen the education system and ensure that all children have access to quality education.”

The project will focus on: strengthening learning design at the primary level with a focus on foundation literacy and numeracy, developing the capacity of 300+ master trainers as well as Mathematics, Science and English content specialists for Grades 6-8, training 50 authors and reviewers for the preparation and review of textbooks; and developing ICT infrastructure to support online training initiatives.

“We are excited to partner with UNICEF, the GPE, and the Government of Balochistan on this important project. Through our combined efforts, we can ensure that children have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school and in life,” said AKU-IED Dean and Professor Farid Panjwani.

AKU-IED will also work closely with Finnish Global Education Solutions, which specializes in developing frameworks for school functions and structures, professional knowledge building, and practical pedagogical work, to bring the best of the Finnish educational system to the curriculum of Balochistan.

“There are critical challenges in delivering the curriculum at classroom level and the true potential of children is not realised. We are hoping that this project will enhance capacities of teachers to contribute to the educational development of Balochistan. It is an opportunity for us all to further build on the quality of education,” said Hamid Baqi, Education Officer at UNICEF.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The School of Tomorrow (SOT) Events, Edition Sixteen, Guardians of the Future: Shaping Tomorrow with Generative AI, has successfully concluded at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad. Organised by Beaconhouse, Pakistan’s largest network of educational institutions, the SOT was attended by writers, policymakers, artists, educationists, students, and experts from various fields.

The opening session of the conference ‘Setting Directions’ explored topics and actions to make the world a better place for future generations. Moderated by Kasim Kasuri, CEO Beaconhouse and Chair SOT Events, the panel included  Jamal Shah, Dr Basit Riaz Sheikh, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch,  and Paul Hutchings. An exclusive keynote by Mr Sean Covey, President of FranklinCovey Education and author of the acclaimed book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens’ was also featured, along with an interview of the prolific best-selling writer, Jeffrey Arthur.

Conversations focused on both global and local issues that cut across disciplines and are ultimately centred around creating a more inclusive and peaceful world that values the rights of children. Speakers discussed critical issues including sustainability, child labour, animal rights, conflict, bullying, and self-image in the digital world.

For the first time in Pakistan, SOT brought on board AI panellists who participated in discussions exploring the increasing role of generative Artificial Intelligence. The event hosted over 40 insightful discussions with more than 150 global and local thought leaders in education, healthcare, athletics, social and environmental development.

Speaking about the conference, Kasim Kasuri, Event Chair and CEO of Beaconhouse, said, “It is an honour for us to be able to provide a platform that sparks thought-provoking conversations around the most critical issues facing our future generations. The outcomes of these discussions will undoubtedly inform the direction for our schools and shape our collective futures for the better.”

Over the three days, SOT featured prominent speakers including Jamal Shah, Mehmal Sarfraz, Salima Hashmi, Vaneeza Ahmad, Ali Safina, Mira Sethi, Syed Mohammed Ahmed, Dr Sohail Naqvi, Dr Tariq Banuri, Moeed Yousuf, Kamran Lashari, Muriel Summers, Rashid Rana, Ayesha Chundrigar, Roshaneh Zafar, Wusat Ullah Khan, Munizae Jahangir, Mehmal Sarfraz, Ali Xeeshan, Zara Shahjahan, Muhammad Hafeez, Ali Tareen, and Jose Alonso, amongst many others.

A highlight of the event was an enthralling immersive art experience curated by Rashid Rana and Risham Syed and presented by the School of Visual Arts & Design, Beaconhouse National University (BNU).

This year’s lead sponsor was Google for Education and Tech Valley, the Titanium Sponsor was UBL, and the Gold sponsors were My BagPack and Emkay Books International. 

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Two faculty members from the Aga Khan University, AKU, have been ranked among the world’s top scientists for 2023 by Stanford University. A staggering 187 scientists hailing from Pakistan, representing diverse fields of specialization were also featured in the list. AKU Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta has claimed the top position amongst the Pakistani scientists, solidifying his reputation as a world-class authority in his field. Joining him in this lineup is Dr Salim Virani who secured a remarkable ninth place, alongside 17 other distinguished scientists from the AKU fraternity.

Dr Zulfiqar A. Bhutta is a distinguished university professor at AKU and the Founding Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development and the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at the university. Dr Salim Virani, on the other hand, serves as the Vice-Provost (Global Research) and Nizar E. Noor Mohammed Mewawalla Endowed Professorship at AKU, adding to the university’s ever-growing list of accomplishments. Notably, Dr Virani’s medical journey began at AKU, where he graduated with the Best Medical Graduate Award.

22 scientific domains and 174 subfields are covered by this Stanford University ranking, and scientists are arranged according to the renowned Science-Metrix classification system. The fact that 76 universities from Pakistan were represented on the list, which confirms Pakistan’s expanding impact on the world stage of scientific research and discovery, makes this accomplishment all the more impressive.

These rankings reflect not only the incredible talent housed within AKU but also the university’s steadfast dedication to fostering an environment of excellence. AKU has consistently invested in state-of-the-art research facilities and fostered collaborations with world-leading institutions to encourage the pursuit of quality and innovation in healthcare.

As the Aga Khan University continues to lead the way in research excellence, it remains committed to nurturing talent, fostering meaningful collaborations, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge to address the most pressing global challenges.

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The dates of the highly anticipated Pakistan Learning Festival (PLF) 2023 were officially announced here today at a packed press conference attended by not only the media but also by many of the prominent speakers who will be participating in the Festival. This year’s PLF, formerly known as Children’s Literature Festival (CLF), is set to attract diverse audiences.

A movement designed to generate positive social capital and create networks and associations dedicated to unlocking the power of learning, reading, self-expression, and critical thinking, it promises to be an immersive and transformative experience.

The festival encompasses multiple learning strands, boasts a multidisciplinary approach, embraces multiple languages, and prides itself on inclusivity. It is intended for audiences of all ages, with a special focus on children (aged 3-18), teachers, and college and university students.

Prominent speakers at the press conference included Baela Raza Jamil, the founder of PLF, Ahmed Shah, Rumana Husain, Dr. Fouzia Khan, Fahad Manzoor, Muhammad Ali and Kazi Kabir. Their presence underscored the significance of PLF and their collective commitment to education and individual development in Pakistan.

Speaking at the conference, Baela Raza Jamil said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Pakistan Learning Festival as an evolution of our previous success with the Children’s Literature Festival. Our mission is to empower individuals of all ages through learning and reading, fostering a community dedicated to lifelong learning and critical thinking.

PLF is a platform that will ignite curiosity and creativity in children and adults alike.” She further announced, “Pakistan Learning Festival 2023 will unfold in three major cities on the following dates: Karachi: November 7th-8th, 2023 09:00 am to 3:00 pm At Arts Council of Pakistan Islamabad: November 28th-29th, 2023 09:00 am to 03:00 pm​ At Pak-China Friendship Center Lahore: December 19th-20th, 2023 09:00 am to 03:00 pm​ At Children Library Complex The festival will feature a rich and diverse programme, including interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, creative exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and a plethora of educational activities designed to stimulate the intellectual and artistic potential of attendees.

15 new children’s books will be launched during the festival through the Pakistan Literacy Project (PLP), which was initiated by Idarae Taleem o Aagahi (ITA) and Room to Read. National Book Foundation, Maqbool Books, and Alif Laila Books have collaborated to produce the 15 children’s picture books (readers) in Urdu.

The aim is to promote our national language to a wider audience. These 15 stories are written by 15 amazing and well-known Pakistani authors and illustrated by 15 talented illustrators.” Raza added, “To address the ongoing crisis, there will be a joint storytelling session featuring “Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story,” written and illustrated by a Palestinian author. The story will be read by Rumana Hussain and Bina Shah to raise awareness among children.” With a growing network of partners, sponsors, and supporters, Pakistan Learning Festival 2023 promises to be a landmark event in the education and cultural calendar of Pakistan. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore, learn, and celebrate the joy of learning.

The event is being organized with the generous support of British Council, UNICEF, Habib Metro, Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and a few other organizations that have joined to make the Festival a resounding success.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

ACCA has announced the results for students who took their exams in September 2023. Thousands of students from across the globe participated in the October session of ACCA exams.

Ibad Haseeb from Karachi, Pakistan has landed the top spot with the highest scores in Audit and Assurance (AA) making him the prize-winner. This distinction is a notable achievement and highlights Ibad’s commitment towards creating a strong career for himself in the field of accountancy.

Assad Hameed Khan, Head of ACCA Pakistan, commented: ‘We are always proud to see our Pakistani students receive worldwide distinctions. This highlights the untapped potential within this nation’s youth that ACCA is dedicated to polishing and enabling them to pursue successful careers within and outside of Pakistan. Our youth faces a plethora of adversities and its through achievements such as Ibad’s that we see that it only enables them to shine brighter.’

Ibad attributes his success to relentless hard work and unwavering perseverance. He expresses gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his parents and educators at Tabani’s School of Accountancy (TSA), notably he thanks Haris Hanif, who tutored him for AA.

Ibad shares, ‘When I first started prepping, I made numerous errors and mistakes but it was only through constant dedication and practice that I was able to build my confidence up and attempt the challenge.’

The ACCA qualification commands substantial recognition and enjoys widespread recognition on a global scale, thereby presenting captivating career prospects with prominent employers. The ACCA Qualification meticulously evaluates the skills, capabilities, and competencies requisite for a contemporary accountant, all while fostering a strong foundation in ethics and professionalism.

ACCA stands as the world’s premier institution for professional accountants, boasting a membership of 247,000 and a prospective membership of 542,000 hailing from 178 countries and regions.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

A multimedia exhibition that brings to life the 40-year history of the Aga Khan University opened to the public Thursday with numerous dignitaries in attendance, including former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Dr Ishrat Husain and Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

The first exhibition of its kind in AKU’s history, A Transformative Vision celebrates the vision of the University’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, the commitment of the thousands of dedicated individuals who have made that vision a reality and the impact AKU has on people’s lives. Featuring rarely seen photography, video, artefacts and documents, new interviews and surprising details, the exhibition captures AKU’s evolution from a single campus and hospital to the internationally recognized, continent-spanning institution of today.

“If there is one thing that AKU’s four-decade journey teaches us, it is that when talented and committed people unite to work toward a common goal on the basis of common values, any challenges can be overcome to build an institution with strong foundations,” said Mr Zakir Mahmood, Chairman of the AKU Board of Trustees. “A Transformative Vision tells the story of how one of Pakistan’s most valued institutions was built, which has had such a deep impact in such a short period. It’s an inspiring and uplifting experience.”

“We couldn’t miss the opportunity that AKU’s 40th anniversary provides to express our pride in what we have achieved, to reflect on the University’s evolution and to gather inspiration for the task that still lies before us,” AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin said. “The exhibit we are opening today takes you on a journey, from the moment in 1964 when His Highness the Aga Khan announced the AKU project to the launch of new programmes in medicine, nursing and the arts and sciences just a few weeks ago. No matter how well you know the University, you’ll discover something new.”

A Transformative Vision is located on AKU’s Stadium Road campus and is free for anyone who wishes to attend. The exhibition was curated by The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural and historic preservation and to fostering pride in Pakistan’s heritage. It will travel to AKU’s Nairobi campus next year.

“I see AKU as an institution that is helping Pakistan to take advantage of the enormous possibilities for economic and social development that exist in the era of the knowledge society,” said Dr Ishrat Husain, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. “AKU and its remarkable community of supporters do indeed have much to celebrate. A Transformative Vision rests upon a firm foundation of distinguished accomplishment.”

Exhibit attendees can watch historic speeches by His Highness the Aga Khan and interviews with key figures in the University’s development; read rare documents by the architects who designed the Stadium Road campus; examine dozens of newspaper articles dating back to the 1970s; and hear a new piece of music commissioned to celebrate the University’s 40th anniversary. Objects on display range from original materials used by His Highness at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Stadium Road campus to a striking handcrafted brass version of AKU’s official seal.

“We started the The Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) nearly 2 decades ago with the intention of creating a public resource that highlights the extraordinary achievements of individuals and lesser known stories of a region. The exhibition curated by CAP involved research of AKU’s activities all over the world, presenting this data in digital, traditional, and immersive media. What AKU has achieved in 40 years is admirable and we were honoured to have partnered with them,” said Ms Obaid-Chinoy, Patron of The Citizens Archive of Pakistan.