KARACHI:
In today’s uncertain world, the importance of skills cannot be overstated. Life has become quite fast-paced and individuals everywhere, particularly in countries like Pakistan, face many challenges such as unfamiliar technology, unemployment and economic problems. In such situations, possessing practical and transferable skills is a necessity.
Skills such as communication, problem-solving, computer literacy, critical thinking and teamwork help people find jobs and deal with difficulties effectively. Skilled individuals can learn new things and adapt to changes more easily, therefore are in a far better position to remain relevant in an evolving job market.
Yet despite this reality, schools and colleges fail to provide students with more opportunities to learn practical skills alongside their academic studies and instead place overwhelming emphasis on rote learning and theoretical knowledge. Schools and colleges must rethink their approach and create meaningful opportunities for students through vocational training, internships, project-based learning and extracurricular programmes.
I hope this issue receives the attention it deserves so that students, parents, educators and policymakers recognise skill development as an essential pillar of a rapidly changing future.
Tahira Khair
Gidroshia
