‘Country needs smart solutions to combat current challenges’

Islamabad:Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in collaboration with UNESCO, EdTech Hub, and ITA hosted the national launch of the 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report on January 15, in Islamabad.

Federal Minister Madad Ali Sindhi chaired the event. Madad while addressing the event said that the topic of this years GEM Report is extremely pertinent. He said that it is vital to evaluate technology’s role in imparting education. He said that Pakistan has recently given high importance to the use of technology in imparting education.

Madad Ali Sindhi said that his top priority have been to reduce the Out of School Children. He said that the role of technology in bringing that number down is also pivotal. Madad Ali said that today’s problem require smart solutions. He said that it is time that Pakistan matches the pace of the developed countries of the world. He said that quality of education is another challenge that has been given the highest priority under his command. He said that he has placed special emphasis in ensuring that the schools in the federal have the basic necessities available in order to provide a safe, secure and enabling environment to students.

Madad Ali said that the Ministry of education was adept in making sure that technology’s benefits can be passed on to the masses in the COVID 19 era. He highlighted the development and launch of tele school and educational radio channels in the Covid Era by MOFEPT. Madad Ali highlighted the findings of the report which point out that technology can also leave behind under privileged students. He said that the MOFEPT will ensure that the use of technology is adapted in such a way that no child is left behind irrespective of his/her background.

Minister said that the MOFEPT will ensure that our learning outcomes and educational programmes will be aligned with technology in such a way that the negative aspects of technology are completely curbed. Madad said that he hopes that through smart use of technology the fundamental right of education of all children of Pakistan will be fulfilled.

The event addressed key questions about technology in education. These questions included appropriateness, equity, scalability, and sustainability. The report emphasized evidence-backed technology use, the impact of COVID-19 on education, the digital divide, and the importance of teacher involvement. It commends Pakistan's efforts but highlights infrastructure gaps and the need for responsible technology integration.