First of its kind: Special programme for G-B schoolchildren inaugurated

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed on Saturday inaugurated a special programme for the teaching of Computer Science, STEM and entrepreneurship in government schools all across the region, an official statement said.

This is the first of its kind programme in Pakistan where 100 expert technology fellows will be trained by private service provider to teach these courses in 200 public schools all across G-B.

The statement said that the programme will be run by a joint venture led by the Rupani Foundation, Learn O Bots, Rupani Academy and GBee Techhive.

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This programme will be the start of a STEAM revolution in the public sector education of Pakistan. Through this programme, the statement added, students from grades six to eight will be taught the following:

Computer Science

The various School Learning Objectives (SLOs) as per the Single National Curriculum (SNC) will be the minimum standards. Students in addition to these SLOs will also be taught block programming through scratch, python coding and basics of freelancing

STEM

Through integrated project-based learning students will be taught about latest technologies, science, engineering and mathematics. The students will make multiple hand on projects and they will use the latest Learning Management System (LMS) as aid in learning.

Entrepreneurship

This course is being introduced for the first time in Pakistan. A specially designed curriculum is being developed to promote entrepreneurship and business sense amongst students so that they can become job creators rather than job seekers.

The chief minister also opened the first makerspace in G-B at the Begum Viqar un Nissa Government High School for Girls in Kashrote. "This novel lab has robotic kits for students, electronic kits and 3D printer. It will inculcate in students a love for technology and innovation," the statement added.