05 December 2004	Sunday	22 Shawwal 1425

KARACHI, Dec 4: The Sindh Minister for Education and Literacy, Dr Hamida Khuhro, has directed the Sindh Textbook Board authorities to ensure timely publishing and supply of textbooks , and rectify mistakes in the curricula of books from classes one to 12 to bring them in accordance with the needs of the modern era.

She issued these orders while presiding over a high-level meeting of the education department with regard to the STB affairs, which is the sole authority for bringing out and publishing curricula for public sector educational institutions of the province.

Dr Hamida observed that the curriculum was being prepared on the decade-old methods of repeating various subjects. She said that through moderate curricula honest, hard working and dedicated citizens could be produced.

She emphasized the need for concentrating over the English language along with the mother tongue and teaching of simple mathematics with introduction of lessons on history, geography and Islamic teachings in the next stage to help youngsters know about their own identity and environment. She also emphasized that children be given access to the art of drawing to strengthen their imagination.

She also stressed that focus be laid on culture, traditions and healthy customs of the province in the curricula, adding that she would approach the federal government authorities to give the province liberty to introduce their history, culture and traditions to their young generation.

Dr Hamida said, "We have to teach our new generation to love and promote human values, which is a way to create awareness in them."

The meeting decided to introduce guidelines for teachers to improve their teaching skills.

The Chairman STB, Prof Aziz Mehranvi, Secretary Mazhar Siddiqui and others attended the meeting. - PPI