Sukkur STEM Learning Festival advocates integration of skills in education for human capital development

In Sukkur, during the second day of the three-day STEM Learning Youth Festival, speakers participated in a panel discussion on “Human Capital Development through TVET.” They emphasized the need to integrate skills into middle-level formal education, recognizing the global shift towards TVET. The speakers highlighted that vocational training and education play a crucial role in human capital development, enhancing workforce productivity, fostering innovation, and contributing to economic growth. Amir Latif, Kashif Bajeer, Dileep Doshi, and others stressed the importance of bringing STEM education to rural areas like Sukkur, empowering students with essential skills for the tech-driven world. They discussed the significance of STEM programs in bridging educational gaps, fostering innovation, and preparing students for diverse opportunities, contributing to the overall development of rural communities.

The panel also discussed a grid station project aimed at enhancing electricity supply reliability in the region. Students from Government Higher Secondary School in Shikarpur presented the project, focusing on power distribution infrastructure, transformers, and switchgear. The goal was to efficiently manage electrical grids, ensuring consistent energy availability for consumers.

The festival saw participation from people across Sukkur region districts, encouraging interest in STEM education. Mustafa Baloch, a development expert, highlighted the impact of climate change on the four ecological zones in Sindh, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions in education development. Kashif Bajeer, in a panel discussion, emphasized that schools should not be used as shelters for the homeless during disasters. He suggested exploring alternative resources and paths to avoid damaging the education system’s infrastructure.

Hanif Samoon is a senior journalist based at Thar/Badin and contributes reports from different districts of Sindh to Minute Mirror. He has won a number of awards, including the Agahi Award twice for his stories on health and child rights. He tweets @HanifSamoon1 and can be reached through email at [email protected]