Experts call for industry-academia linkages to promote practical education

SUKKUR: Every schoolteacher should foster students’ confidence by integrating STEAM education opportunities into their classrooms. Providing the right platforms will unlock their potential and enhance their abilities.

“I strongly believe in empowering the young minds of Sukkur to become the scientists and innovators of tomorrow,” said Commissioner Sukkur Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Regional STEAM Festival at IBA Public School on Thursday.

He visited all the stalls, interacted with students, appreciated their efforts, and even experienced the science farming lab, where an expert engaged with students in shifts, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm for science. The event was organized by the Sindh Education and Literacy Department (SELD) in collaboration with the Thar Education Alliance (TEA).

Along with the commissioner, CEO TEA Partab Shivani, director general college Sukkur, director colleges and director schools inaugurated the event. Reputable science organizations, including Space Academy, STEM Club Pakistan, and Pakistan Science Foundation, were actively engaging students and participants through hands-on activities, practical demonstrations, and immersive learning experiences. A young student, dressed in a vibrant traditional Sindhi costume, beamed with joy as she looked through a telescope. Around her, half a dozen other excited girls eagerly awaited their turn, their faces filled with curiosity and wonder. This moment captured the spirit of the festival where culture, science, and enthusiasm came together to inspire the next generation.

In a panel discussion on ‘The Future of STEAM Education’, Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) Regional Head Sukkur Maqbool Laghari highlighted the transformative journey of education. He reflected on how things began to change in the 1990s and emphasized how the world continues to evolve. “Today, in 2025, people are more aware and have greater opportunities than ever before. They actively participate in competitions, explore their potential, and shape their own futures,” he stated, underscoring the power of education in driving progress and innovation.

Experts, including Uneza Alvi, Fatima Dayo, Shafaq Shahzad and Jai Parkash Solanki, said that while there is no doubt about the competency of teachers in local and rural communities, there remains a significant gap in their training. They emphasized that now is the time for educators to proactively prepare for their classes before engaging with students, ensuring a more effective and enriching learning experience.

They said promoting STEAM education in a region like Sukkur is highly commendable, and both SE&LD and TEA deserve recognition for their efforts. Integrating art into science education is crucial, as it fosters creativity and innovation. Moreover, there is an urgent need to linkage between academia and industry to strengthen practical, hands-on learning experiences. Strengthening this link will better prepare students for real-world challenges and equip them with the skills necessary for future careers.

“There was a time when people would rush outside just to catch a glimpse of an airplane flying overhead. Today, however, we see children proudly presenting their science projects inspired by space technology. This transformation reflects our progress, and celebrating it is a testament to our readiness to participate in the future of innovation.” They added.

In the closing ceremony, Assistant Commissioner Sukkur Sobia Falak Rao said there was a time when practical activities were limited to science students in the ninth and matric grades, only for examinations. But now everything has changed. I have witnessed a remarkable shift—no one is forcing children to participate in STEAM festival; instead, they are driven by their own curiosity and passion, eagerly showcasing their talents. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners for their outstanding achievements.