‘One million teachers required to meet growing needs’

Islamabad:Planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal called for public sector schools to be equipped with the necessary resources to teach essential skills, ensuring that the proposed reforms deliver broad societal benefits.

During a meeting about the Teacher Training Institute, the minister underscored the urgent need for education reforms to better prepare youth for the challenges of the future. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the secretary and additional secretary of the education ministry, along with representatives from the planning and education ministries. Officials highlighted serious deficiencies in the country's education system, noting that 1.8 million teachers need to be trained to address modern challenges.

Also, with the demand for one million new teachers to meet the needs of a growing population, the minister emphasised the necessity of globally accredited training programs to align with 21st-century teaching standards. Officials briefed the federal minister on the teacher training initiative, led by the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education in collaboration with the LUMS School of Education.

Discussing the proposed education reforms, Iqbal emphasised the importance of reviving foundational ethics and fostering a global perspective among youth. “Our education system must focus on building team dynamics, fostering collaboration, and achieving collective successes,” he said. The minister underscored the evolving role of teachers as knowledge managers, responsible for producing future leaders equipped with life skills and a strong sense of community.

Proposed solutions included adopting best practices from countries such as Finland, Singapore, Australia, and Vietnam, focusing on integrating theory with practice, fostering adaptability, and linking accreditation to career progression. He stressed the need for mandatory certifications for headmasters and headmistresses to evaluate their leadership abilities.