President Dr Arif Alvi is to launch a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme for higher secondary school students in the country on Wednesday.
According to a report by Radio Pakistan, the programme, which will train students in STEM subjects, will be launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 50 government-run higher secondary schools across the country.
Students of grades 9 to 12 will be enrolled in the pilot programme and selected “based on their ability and talent”, it added.
In a video message ahead of the programme’s launch, Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said STEM subjects had acquired a “special importance” in the world.
Sharing details about the programme, Faraz said the programme was planned in 2020 and he and his team had worked on it day and night to give it “practical shape”.
Initially, the programme would be introduced in 50 schools, he said, adding that special laboratories would be built and teachers would be given specific training.
Excited to be leading the STEM pilot project by @MinistryofST. The step is taken to enhance problem based learning along with self directed learning in schools. Looking forward to the launch today alongside hon’ble president @ArifAlvi. pic.twitter.com/4ngjrhke2H
— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) October 6, 2021
“These schools will also be associated with universities. The schools have been selected purely on merit, not political reasons. The principals will be our guests [in today’s event].”
A new era of progress will start because of these STEM schools in which we have given a new direction to the education system to make our students competitive globally, he further said.
The programme would have three aspects — labs, teacher training and STEM modules, he shared.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who previously held the portfolio of science and technology, termed the programme a “game changer”.
He said he had designed the programme because the country will “not change” until government schools are modernised.
“I am very happy that this plan is turning into a reality despite delays,” he said in a tweet.
پاکستان سائنس فاونڈیشن آج ایک ایسے پروگرام کا آغاز کرنے جا رہی ہے جو میری نظر میں گیم چینجر ہو گا، 450 گورنمنٹ اسکولز کو STEM (سائنس، ٹیکنالوجی، انجنئرنگ اور میتھس) اسکولز میں تبدیل کرنے کا منصوبہ میں نے اس لئے ڈیزائین کیا کہ جب تک سرکاری اسکول ماڈرن نہیں ہوں گے ملک نہیں بدل سکتا
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) October 6, 2021
The minister expressed hope that more schools would adopt the STEM model following its implementation in 450 schools initially. Universities have been instructed to “adopt” schools and improve the level of science education, he shared.
Last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan had approved the STEM project in collaboration with varsities.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had said at the time that special laboratories for science and technology, engineering and mathematics would be established in 40 schools in the first phase.
Around 100,000 children in 400 schools will have access to education and training in modern sciences through the project.
Media person and communication expert for over 25 years. Worked with Dow Jones News, World Bank, CNBC Pakistan, Aaj TV, ARY TV, Abbtakk TV, Business Recorder, Pakistan Observer, Online News Network, TTI Magazine and other local and world Publications.
