Govt unveils foundational learning policy to elevate education standards

Islamabad : In a groundbreaking initiative, Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), spearheaded the 1st inter-provincial secretaries' meeting on Foundational Learning Policy and Roadmap. The meeting, attended by high-ranking officials from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh, emphasised a collective effort to enhance learning outcomes for pre-primary and primary schoolchildren.

Reviewing progress since the Pakistan Learning Conference in June 2023, Chaudhry highlighted the establishment of the Foundational Learning Hub with support from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the World Bank. The initiative introduced a reading hour in selected institutions under the Federal Directorate of Education, extending efforts to non-formal education institutes, private schools, and Madaris.

Secretary Masood Khan of Elementary & Secondary Education Department (ESED) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa expressed gratitude for the platform, emphasising the need for strategic interventions. Special Secretary Nauman Shah from SED Balochistan urged a focus on content length and teacher quality.

Dr. Fouzia Khan from SELD Sindh highlighted the introduction of a 'reading period' and stressed the importance of a conducive learning environment. The representative from The Programme Monitoring and Implementation Unit Punjab underscored the significance of tech and digital literacy.

The consensus reached included the incorporation of grade-appropriate numeracy skills and a mandatory focus on reading and comprehension, targeting students up to grade 3. Special Secretary, MoFEPT, emphasised the crucial role of a conducive learning environment in improving students' abilities. Secretary MoFEPT reiterated unwavering support to all provinces in crafting a clear and actionable policy on foundational learning.

This comprehensive policy marks a significant stride towards elevating education standards, promising a brighter future for the nation's youth.