Staff Reporter
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has officially launched the second phase of the English as a Subject for Teachers and Educators (EaSTE-II) programme in collaboration with the British Council, calling it a landmark step towards improving the quality of education in the province.
A Landmark Initiative in Education Reform
Speaking at the launch ceremony at CM House, Shah said the programme is designed to build on the achievements of the first phase, training 30,000 newly inducted primary and early childhood teachers, supported by 1,000 mentors and 35 course leaders. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly two million children in Sindh’s public schools.
Building Teacher Capacity and Confidence
The chief minister emphasized that EaSTE-II will equip teachers with professional skills and confidence from the start of their careers, ensuring sustainability through the Sindh Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Model 2022 and the ECCE & Foundational Learning Policy 2024. “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and we are committed to empowering the very individuals who shape the future—our educators,” Shah said.
Focus on English and Inclusivity
Highlighting the global importance of English language proficiency, Shah said the initiative will prepare students to compete internationally while staying connected to their cultural roots. The programme prioritizes female teachers, minority groups, and educators with disabilities, and also promotes Sindhi and Urdu alongside English.
International Partnerships and Recognition
The CM praised the innovative training model, which blends digital self-learning modules, hybrid sessions, and peer-learning communities. He noted that UNESCO has recently recognized Sindh’s teachers as “Creative Teachers” for integrating artificial intelligence with traditional teaching methods. He thanked the British Council and the UK Government for their support in driving educational reforms in Sindh.
Voices of Support
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah stressed the central role of language in education, remarking, “A child who learns a language well learns every other subject better.” He called EaSTE-II a step toward “unlocking learning in every classroom, in every subject.”
British Council Country Director James Hampson described EaSTE as an innovative online Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme, designed to strengthen English teaching skills and raise the overall standard of education.
