ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children in Pakistan.
The minister chaired a meeting, wherein he was briefed by officials of the Ministry of Federal Education regarding different programs and projects aimed at advancing education in the country. The meeting, held at the Ministry focused on important initiatives to address the pressing issues within the education sector.
During the meeting, Siddiqui announced his intention to advise the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet to declare a national education emergency in the country. This declaration aims to bring back the out-of-school children into the education system, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Moreover, he directed the ministry to swiftly devise a strategy, with the urgency of a wartime effort, to train 1 million technology and IT-skilled workers.
This initiative will be funded by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, with the aim of equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
In addition to addressing the educational requirements of children, Siddiqui announced plans for a School Meals Program to be implemented in all Islamabad Government Primary Schools. This initiative will not only ensure proper nutrition for students but also promote their hygiene and overall health.
Government Committed to Enhance Quality of Education
He stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving access to quality education for all. The minister emphasized the significance of focusing on girls’ education to narrow the gender literacy gap, recognizing it as a crucial step towards achieving national development goals.
To further these objectives, he announced that a National Conference will be arranged in collaboration with SIFC. The conference will aim to address the problem of out-of-school children and combat learning poverty by leveraging the transformative power of technology.
