Science education key to nation’s future

French scientist says it can develop creativity, talent and foster national development

Science education is the key element for the future of a nation.

This was stated by Dr Pierre Léna, a visiting French scientist, who spoke at a forum in Islamabad on Thursday which had been organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF).

Dr Lena, who heads the French organisation La main à la pâte which works on scientific cooperation, revealed the importance of curiosity, observation, language, self-confidence and creativity in the field of science education.

“Providing science education to every student is a key to understanding the world, find a personal future, and develop own creativity and talent, foster national development, and avoid the atmosphere of global unsustainability,” he underlined.

Earlier, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed stated that the premier higher education body has deliberated on creating a base for students in the country’s school system in order to breed creativity at the higher education level.

“Though the main objective of HEC is to facilitate universities, however, following complaints from higher education institutions, it was decided that we contribute to improving the quality at the school level,” he remarked.

Addressing the forum, French Ambassador Martine Dorance admired the role of La main à la pâte in promoting science across the world. She stressed the importance of promoting science collaboration with Pakistan as one of the top priorities of France.

“We, together, can have a good future for our children and the coming generations,” she added.

The forum also included a panel discussion on how inquiry-based science education can be promoted in the educational institutions of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2017.