KARACHI: For the first time in Pakistan, Sindh has introduced technical education as a part of the traditional curriculum under the “Middle Tech Initiative.”

Sindh Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, on Thursday, inaugurated the initiative, describing it as a milestone in the province’s educational reforms.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the CMS Government Boys Secondary Campus School in Karachi.

He emphasised that the programme aims to teach technical and vocational skills to students, helping them find better employment opportunities.

Mr Shah also highlighted the importance of educational reforms to meet 21st-century demands.

He stated, “This initiative is a step toward making our students socially and economically capable citizens. By bridging the gap between traditional education and practical skills, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our youth.”

The minister further noted that challenges such as limited resources often hinder children’s education. Through initiatives like these, students could become self-reliant during their school years and manage their educational expenses while also support their families.

He announced that after successfully introducing “Middle Tech Initiative” in schools, plans are underway to expand it to matriculation-level “Metric Tech” and eventually to intermediate-level “Inter Tech” classes in colleges.

In the first phase, 300 schools across Sindh have been equipped to provide technical education to 65,000 students alongside traditional learning. Courses in fields such as agriculture, applied electrician, beautician, dress making, fundamental of cooking, graphics designing, hotel management, introduction to tourism, internet of things, livestock, media production and plumbing have been added to the school curriculum.

Secretary of Education Zahid Ali Abbasi said 1,600 computer labs would be established in Sindh’s schools this year to achieve the objectives of the “Middle Tech Initiative”, along with other necessary facilities.

Chief Advisor of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chiho Ohashi shared that the agency has supported teacher training and curriculum development for the initiative. Additional technical courses, including internet of things, media production and tourism, would be introduced soon. JICA also planned to continue its collaboration in the future.

JICA has provided technical assistance to the School Education and Literacy Department for the “Middle Tech Initiative,” focussing on curriculum development, teacher training, and setting up laboratories in schools.

During the ceremony, the minister and other dignitaries officially launched the graphic designing curriculum, calling it a proud moment of his tenure.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2025