Education

Experts at Karachi Youth STEM Learning Festival call for redesigning the curriculum

January 21, 2024

The curriculum needs to be designed with a STEM education and entrepreneurship approach

Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

Speakers at different sessions on Saturday, the third and last day of Karachi Youth STEM learning Festival, stressed that entrepreneurship in STEM education should be encouraged in the curriculum.

Some 50 government schools from sevens districts of Karachi participated and showcased their science models in the festival. Around 20000 people attended the festival in three-days.

Speaking in the panel discussion ‘Empowering the Youth: Entrepreneurship in STEM Fields’ experts said promoting entrepreneurship is essential, and our education system should cultivate this mindset. “The curriculum needs to be designed with a STEM education and entrepreneurship approach. There is dire need to add new tech, immersive learning & VR to STEM curricula at tertiary/intermediate level to equip youth with digital skills for better livelihood opportunities,” they urged.

They said, “We need to disseminate success stories to local communities, inspiring them to generate ideas and rise from grassroots to great heights. Encouraging children to pursue their dreams is crucial, as our current focus on positional achievements tends to stifle their natural talents. Science holds significance in every field.”

“Science festivals in Pakistan are scarce, with only a few organizations organizing them. While we have Meena Bazar and cooking competitions in schools, there is a lack of exhibitions featuring our science models,” they added.

Mayor Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, addressed the audience at the opening ceremony of the festival. He shared his experience of studying at a government college in Karachi and highlighted how his teachers contributed to his achievements in life. Additionally, he offered full support from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and his office to the students.

Related report: 3-Day Karachi Youth STEM Learning Festival Begins

The Thar Education Alliance (TEA) organized a three-day festival in collaboration with UNICEF, RSU, and SELD. During a conversation with Paratb Rai Shivani, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEA, he mentioned that while they have poets, writers, activists, teachers, and other professionals in their respective communities, there is a need for scientists, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals as well. He emphasized that creating this environment will bring about positive change and foster a spirit of innovation.

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