The Balochistan Education Department and the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) are collaborating to support the department’s vision for restructuring the education system across the province.
A delegation led by Balochistan Education Secretary Munir Ahmed Badini visited the AKU-IED to discuss the capacity development efforts including replicating an innovative teacher education programme and establishing a centre for educational excellence in Gwadar.
AKU-IED Director Dr Muhammad Memon highlighted the institute’s initiatives in Balochistan, particularly the Strengthening Teacher Education Programme (STEP), funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and Aga Khan Foundation and being implemented across Quetta, Killa Saifullah and Chaghai.
“STEP, a cluster-based mentoring programme that divides schools at the district level, has initially been introduced in 110 primary and elementary schools for professional development of teachers in rural areas,” said Dr Memon.
To further upgrade professional skills, STEP scholarships for a two-year MEd programme at AKU-IED are also offered to teachers and educational managers in Balochistan.
Besides capacity building, a Whole School Improvement Programme is being implemented in 27 schools, aiming to improve the general school environment and make it more attractive for learning and teaching.
Badini appreciated the initiatives of AKU-IED and lauded the contribution of the Aga Khan Development Network towards social sector development throughout the country. He pointed out that collaborations between public and private sector institutions must be encouraged to bring about improvements in the quality of education in the country.