School Education & Literacy Department, Government of Sindh

Join us tomorrow, 18th January, for the thrilling at Govt Boys High School No 2 Umerkot.

2,200+ students and 200+ teachers from 48 schools across the district showcased tremendous enthusiasm in the School Round, leading Umerkot to be one of the top 4 districts by participation across Sindh, a fantastic performance for the district in its first ever . They developed hundreds of innovative projects, models, artworks, and learning games.

Under the leadership of the enterprising district focal person for STEAM, Ashfaque Ali Jokhio, with the support of their DEO, Inyatullah Kumbher, the school focal persons have put in immense effort throughout the year to celebrate learning and problem-solving. Their creative projects have employed both the knowledge of their culture and indigenous wisdom along witth maths, art, and science to solve exciting challenges. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming competition!

Check out the highlights from the at Mithi where hundreds of students and teachers gathered this week to present their solutions to our exciting challenges! Witness the energy of the contest and let us know in the comments which category stood out for you from the following:



Stay tuned for more updates about the competition in Tharparkar district.

*Understanding Reached for Sindh Students to Pursue Medical Education in Kyrgyzstan*

_Meeting Held Between Sindh’s Minister for Education & Mineral Development Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Education & Science Dogdorkul Kendirbaeva in Karachi_

Karachi (January 15, 2025): An understanding has been reached to establish a coordination mechanism to facilitate students from Sindh in pursuing medical and nursing education in Kyrgyzstan. The meeting between Sindh’s Minister for Education & Mines & Mineral Development Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Kyrgyzstan’s Minister for Education & Science Dogdorkul Kendirbaeva also included discussions on increasing the number of students from Sindh studying in Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz delegation included experts such as A. K. Dzhumabekova from the Department of International Cooperation, Ainura Tolobayevna Isiraillova, head of Secondary Vocational and Postgraduate Education, Kyrgyz diplomat representative Barkat Fazil, Aga Khan Foundation Kyrgyzstan CEO Davlatsulton Dorgabekova, and others. On the Pakistani side, Special Secretary for School Education Junaid Shah, Secretary for Universities and Boards Sindh Abbas Baloch, and other officials were present.

During the meeting, Syed Sardar Ali Shah briefed the Kyrgyz Education Minister on the history of Pakistan, particularly Sindh, highlighting the influence of personalities from Central Asia in promoting Sufism in the region. He emphasized the desire for deeper relations between the two nations in tourism, culture, and education.

Minister Sardar Ali Shah praised Kyrgyzstan for opening educational opportunities for Pakistani students, strengthening bilateral ties. He also appreciated the Kyrgyz government’s efforts in ensuring the safety of Pakistani students, referencing the security cooperation in May 2024. He remarked that Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives to provide educational opportunities, particularly in the medical field, are commendable. Highlighting the shortage of doctors and nurses in Sindh, he noted the challenge of meeting medical service demands relative to population size. He mentioned that out of 8,000 Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan, 300 are from Sindh, and expressed commitment to increasing this number. Shah also suggested that Kyrgyzstan could offer scholarships for students from Sindh.

Kyrgyz Minister Dogdorkul Kendirbaeva appreciated Pakistan’s culture and hospitality, stating that Kyrgyzstan provides a conducive environment for international students. She affirmed that Kyrgyzstan prioritizes the safety of foreign students, and Pakistani students complete their medical education with competence. She also pointed out that the low cost of medical education in Kyrgyzstan is due to the country’s educational priorities. Kendirbaeva proposed mutual consultations to finalize scholarship opportunities for students from Sindh.

The meeting concluded with discussions on appointing focal persons to enhance collaboration and strengthen ties between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work together to solidify future relations.

*Minister Sardar Ali Shah Advocates Ending the Marks Race in Education*

_This Academic Year Will Test the Examination Boards’ Own System: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah_

Karachi (January 14, 2025) – The Sindh Minister for Education and Mineral Development, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, emphasized the need to shift students’ focus from the “race for marks” to the process of learning in order to achieve better outcomes in the education system. He stated that there is a need for quality-based assessment in examination boards rather than focusing solely on quantity. He remarked that the examinations conducted by the boards this year will also serve as a test of their own system, which will help determine whether to involve the private sector for third-party assessments in the future.

He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar organized by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) regarding the “Model Assessment Framework.” The seminar, held at the auditorium of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, was attended by IBCC Executive Director Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, former Director General Academics Islamabad Dr. Naeem Khalid, Dawood University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Samreen Hussain, IBCC Chairman Syed Sharaf Ali Shah, and chairpersons, teachers, and stakeholders from various public and private boards across the country.

Speaking as the chief guest, the provincial minister stressed that the use of technology is essential for third-party assessments, as better assessments can help improve the education system. He pointed out that currently, the same person teaches and checks the papers, and third-party assessments are necessary to objectively evaluate and enhance the education system. He added that the method of assessment needs further improvement.

The minister proposed eliminating the condition of board percentage requirements for university admissions to reduce the pressure of marks on students. He explained that removing this condition would allow students to focus more on learning and less on rote memorization.

Syed Sardar Ali Shah highlighted the sensitivity of third-party assessments by referencing medical college admission tests, where initially no institution was willing to conduct them. However, one institution IBA Sukkur maintained its credibility and set an example. He reiterated that this academic year would test the boards’ own systems to determine whether to engage private sector assistance for future examinations.

The provincial minister also noted that Sindh supports every good initiative from the federal government but urged increased collaboration for the development of education. He emphasized the need to increase grants for universities in Sindh, as they are facing severe financial difficulties.

At the event, IBCC Executive Director Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah explained that the IBCC serves as a platform for chairpersons and chief executives of member examination boards and affiliated institutions. Its mandate includes exchanging information, developing policies for joint implementation, transforming the examination system with modern techniques, and enhancing the capacity of teachers and examination staff.

He further clarified that to address deficiencies and improve assessment methods, IBCC has developed the Model Assessment Framework for secondary and higher secondary levels in collaboration with federal and provincial departments. He noted that 29 public and private examination boards across the country are part of the IBCC’s consultative forum. The goal is to make the examination process for classes 9 to 12 more effective and aligned with global standards of the 21st century.

The seminar also included discussions on hybrid learning by former DG Academics Islamabad Dr. Naeem Khalid, and remarks from Dawood University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Samreen Hussain. A panel discussion featured contributions from Aga Khan University Examination Board Executive Director Naveed Yusuf and Abbottabad Board Chairman Shafiq Awan.

The brought together over a 1000 students and teachers, including over 500 participants from 27 schools who had qualified by winning their School Round competition in different categories. The event showcased the incredible diversity of thought and creativity among students and teachers, highlighting the hard work and passion that went into bringing these projects to life!

Among the standout creations were an innovative Earthquake Alert device that visually demonstrated how an alarm activates during an earthquake to warn everyone of the emergency. A teachers' group designed an engaging maze that challenged students to solve riddles related to STEAM themes as they explored its twists and turns. Another project featured a 3-in-1 musical instrument—a soundbox capable of producing three distinct sounds: tabla, daffli, and bass, with potential for even more sounds to be added. The projects also included colourful postcards representing students' neighbourhoods as well as an ambitious vision of Pakistan in 2100, where students not only depicted the world around them but also imagined a brighter, more successful future for the country

The incredible panel of judges who evaluated these projects in different challenges were experts in their fields, including Professors of engineering, physics, mathematics and comparative humanities from NED University of Engineering & Technology, Habib University, Karachi University Official Updates and IBA Institute of Business Administration Karachi; scientists and engineers from PCSIR, Reckitt and Pakistan Petroleum Limited; and educators from Karachi Grammar School, TDF MagnifiScience Centre, STEDA and Durbeen.

The Karachi East STEAM Muqablo was a success thanks to Seema Zahid and Tehmina Faiz, District Focal Persons for STEAM who coordinated to make this event the great success it was with the support of their District Education Officer Azam Markhand, DEO ES&HS Karachi East.

Notable attendees of the event included Muhammad Amir Siddiqui MPA PS 102, Kauser Ali Sher, Advocate High Court, Dr Fouzia Khan, Chief Executive Advisor, SE&LD, Muhammad Arshad Baig, Director School Education (ES&HS) Karachi region, Kishore Kumar, Director HR, Shadab, Assistant Director HR, Qurat ul Ain, Assistant Director (M&E), Ishrat Noor, Senior Programme Manager, Litigation RSU, Noor Ahmed Soomro, DEO (ES&HS) Korangi, Shafi Muhammad Shar, DEO (ES&HS) West, Saviba Pathan, DEO (Primary) Korangi, Hameeda Jatoi, DEO (Primary) West, Abdul Hameed Memon, Deputy DEO Malir, Tariq Ali, Deputy DEO Central, Tariq, Deputy DEO Korangi, Abdul Majeed Kayani, Deputy DEO West, Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Qureshi, DEO Primary East.

"I wish I could have given more prizes!" Listen to our judge Ambreen Kureshi share her thoughts on the Korangi STEAM Muqablo Postcards from my Hometown Challenge.

Ambreen Kureshi is the Head of Art Department St. Joseph's Convent School and Nixor College and we are so delighted that she was one of our judges for the Postcards Category for which she has great insights to share!

St. Joseph's Convent Cambridge Section

Hyderabad STEAM Muqablo is going to be big this year! With 55 schools participating, Hyderabad is one of the top 3 districts by participation across Sindh! Join us tomorrow, 11th January, for one of our most anticipated event of the year at Government Girls High School Latifabad no 6.

In the school round, 55 beautiful school-level competitions were held where over 2600 students and 250+ teachers presented their working science models on climate change and development, innovative projects like lightweight but sturdy boats, thoughtfully crafted artworks, and learning games on maths and science - projects that had been created over two months of brainstorming, problem-solving and iterative prototyping.

Under the leadership of District Focal Person for STEAM Muhammad Ahsan, the school focal persons have worked tirelessly throughout the year to promote hands-on STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), bringing these subjects together in exciting ways to solve Sindh's problems and present its brightest solutions. Their dedication, with the support of DEO Aziz Rehman Dahot, has led to the creation of some truly competitive projects for STEAM Muqablo. We look forward to the competition!

GBSS Children's Educational Center GBSS, Karachi Central hosted a Maths Circles workshop today, led by Dr Adnan Khan from LUMS and Dr Shabana Nisar from IBA Karachi, which drew participation from more than 60 teachers from across the district. Teachers learned how to make maths fun through games and activities. We look forward to seeing our talented teachers spread the joy of mathematics in classrooms across Karachi Central. Special thanks to the professors, to Itrat Jamal, STEAM focal person for District Central for making this possible in coordination with our STEAM Policy Unit.