Ministry unveils tech-driven curriculum

Education official stresses importance of technology in learning at STEM Mela

ISLAMABAD:

Steps have been announced towards incorporating technology in the curriculum to align the new generation with the demands of the present era by the Ministry of Education and Professional Training.

The ministry’s Federal Secretary, Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani on Tuesday addressed the “STEM Mela 2024” organised under the project “STEM Pakistan Policy Unit” to provide access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to secondary school girls. Thousands of female students from the federal capital participated in the event.

“We are bringing technology into our curriculum so that our new generation can also understand technology in time and be in line with the modern requirements of the present,” he said while also emphasising that the government was making every effort to bring out-of-school children into schools. “We want every child to get a good education and contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

More than 1,200 children and 250 teachers participated in the fair. They participated in quiz game shows, treasure hunts, art activities, science shows and other activities. Science shows, mathematics, astronomy and biology learning zones had been set up for the students at the fair. Guidance sessions and professional development workshops were also conducted by the guests.

One of the objectives of this fair was also to appreciate the schools, school heads, teachers and students who had actively participated in the STEM Pakistan programme in the previous academic year.

The STEM Pakistan programme has now expanded to over 4,000 public schools across the country, with over 3.5m students enrolled. The programme aims to engage students in hands-on activities in classrooms and provide them with a better learning environment. The programme is also being implemented in over 200 middle and high schools of the Federal Directorate of Education.

New Tell Pakistan CEO Wahaj Siraj advised the students to make their hobby their profession, maintain their character, be problem solvers, and ask questions to clarify matters.

On the same day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif declared an educational emergency to promote education in the country and learned how their education should be.

The Mela was a fun and educational experience for the students, encouraging them to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics subjects. The government needs to continue its efforts to promote STEM education. It needs to invest in teacher training, infrastructure, and providing opportunities for students.

Published in The Express Tribune May 1^st, 2024.