Non-formal education: Minister suggests focus on mother languages, math

• Yusuf Sheikh says vocational, technical skills should also be a part of the curriculum

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Education and Professional Training Muhammad Yusuf Sheikh on Friday said that the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) should be declared as a primary and sole agency of the non-formal education (NFE).

On his maiden visit to the NCHD-run National Training Institute (NTI), here on Friday, he appreciated the establishment of the institute and remarked that training in non-formal education has been neglected part of the society and it was a welcome and considerable step that NCHD has established first National Training Institute for NFE and literacy.

“Education plays an essential role in improving the lives of individuals by enabling economic security, good health and enriches societies by building human capital, fostering cultural identity, tolerance, and promoting civic participation,” the minister said. He said that the training of the master trainers at NTI would enable them to make a valuable addition to the enhancement of literacy, skill development and empowerment of the neglected section of the society.

He said that keeping in view all the circumstances, they should focus on languages (mother tongue) and mathematics. Vocational and technical skills should also be a part of this curriculum along with contents covering mother and child healthcare, upbringing and character building, social values, roles and responsibilities towards building a nation and especially the national history, he suggested.

After finalising the curriculum, the guiding principles should also be developed for delivery of these topics to learners, he said. There should be a strong mechanism for the assessment of learning milestones, which will be required for the certification and accreditation purpose, this revised curriculum should be complete resource pack covering all the aspects, he said.

The minister appreciated the working of NTI experts and role of NCHD for the promotion of literacy and non-formal education. NCHD Chairperson Razina Alam Khan while briefing the minister regarding revision of literacy curriculum by NTI experts and other stakeholders said that they can create a ripple effect if they ensure that children have access to quality education that was rooted in gender equality.

“A well-developed curriculum and well-equipped teacher are the main ingredients for quality education.” The curriculum should reflect the learning needs covering their literacy skills as well as life skills so that they could be benefited in a real manner, she observed. “The adult illiterates will only be attracted to literacy programme if they can bring a change to their livelihood,” she said.