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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The post Experts at Karachi Youth STEM Learning Festival call for redesigning the curriculum first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Staff Report

Karachi, Sindh

The Karachi Youth STEM (Education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Learning Festival, a landmark three-day event (January 18 to 20, 2024), commenced on Thursday with great enthusiasm at the Gulistan Scouts Training Center in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.

This festival, a collaborative effort between the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, UNICEF, and the Reform Support Unit (RSU), aims to ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among the youth of Karachi.

Inaugurated by Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the festival is a vibrant display of scientific talent, featuring participation from over 50 schools across 7 districts. It showcases the budding ingenuity of Karachi’s youth at the Karachi Science Festival. A key highlight is the inclusive approach of the event, integrating UNICEF’s program Generation Unlimited (GenU), to provide a comprehensive platform for assessing and nurturing the capabilities of young minds in the field of STEM.

Mayor Wahab stressed the urgent need to promote and popularize STEM education in Sindh.

Also read: Urgent Measures Emphasized to Recover Learning Losses and Build Flood-Resilient Education System in Sindh

The festival includes diverse sessions, panel discussions, and insights from a wide array of experts in STEM, public officials, development sector professionals, and private sector leaders.

The event is set to conclude on third day with an awards ceremony. This will recognize and celebrate the achievements of participating students, underscoring the festival’s commitment to fostering scientific knowledge, showcasing innovation, and shaping a brighter future for the youth.

Karachi, being a hub of economic and educational activity, has shown promising growth in STEM education in recent years. According to recent statistics, the city has seen a significant increase in STEM-related initiatives and programs in schools and universities, aiming to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

The Karachi Youth STEM Learning Festival is more than just an event; it is a beacon of hope for the future of STEM in Karachi and Pakistan. By encouraging higher secondary school students from all districts, the festival plays a crucial role in bridging educational gaps and promoting equal opportunities in STEM education.

Also read: The Importance of STEM Education in Pakistan: Initiatives and Opportunities

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The post 3-Day Karachi Youth STEM Learning Festival Begins first appeared on Sindh Courier.