LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department (SED) on Tuesday launched a training programme for 5,500 schoolteachers to address and overcome learning deficiencies among students with different abilities.

The government has taken the initiative aimed at empowering educators to better cater to the diverse needs of students with different abilities. The Quaid-i-Azam Academy for Educational Development (QAED) will provide comprehensive training to 5,500 teachers with the primary objective of addressing and overcoming learning deficiencies among students with different abilities.

The initiative is currently undergoing a pilot phase under Taleem programme with the support of Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and UNICEF in the districts of Multan and Jhelum and would be replicated in other districts of the province.

The main focus of the programme is to equip teachers with the essential skills required to assess the learning disabilities and formulate strategies that ensure a seamless educational experience for students with different abilities.

The government aims to foster an inclusive environment where no child is stigmatised as a slow learner or is left behind in the pursuit of educational sojourn.

QAED director general Tajamal Abbas Rana said the training programme is meticulously designed to enable teachers to plan their lessons effectively, accommodating the diverse learning needs of students with different abilities.

He said the government would seek to create a pedagogical landscape where every child, regardless of their abilities, can progress in their learning journey without any hindrance.

The SED has planned to gradually expand the comprehensive teacher training programme to other districts. This expansion aims to ensure that children with disabilities throughout the province have equal access to educational opportunities, thereby breaking down barriers that may impede their academic progress.

SED Special Secretary Kalsoom Saqib said the teacher training programme was launched to improve quality education for all children especially the children with different abilities in Punjab.

She said the teachers would be equipped with the necessary skills and strategies so that every child could thrive in their academic pursuits, irrespective of their abilities.

She said the department is promoting inclusive and accessible education for individuals with diverse learning needs, and inclusive education strategy draft is ready and would be notified soon.

She said the department was creating an educational environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2023