In a collaborative effort aimed at advancing educational policies in Pakistan, the Pakistan Foundational Learning Hub (PFL Hub) joined hands with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) to host a policy dialogue on Foundational Learning in Pakistan. The session, held as part of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training's initiatives, served as a platform to translate high-quality research into actionable policies.
Led by Mr Sam Wilson, Project Director of the PFL Hub, and Dr Zainab Salim, Senior Associate, Research at the PFL Hub, the presentation shed light on the critical concept of foundational learning. Foundational learning, defined as the attainment of basic literacy and numeracy skills at a minimum grade 3 level proficiency, was underscored as crucial for all children, irrespective of age or schooling status.
The dialogue brought to light alarming statistics revealing the learning crisis among children in Pakistan. A staggering 78% of children cannot read a simple sentence with understanding by age 10, with notable disparities in learning levels among different demographics. The session emphasized the urgent need for sustained political commitment to learning, coupled with efficient financing and support mechanisms for parents and teachers.
Key strategies for addressing the foundational learning crisis were discussed, including early interventions, investments in teacher training, and strengthening the education system. The conversation stressed the pivotal role of pre-service and in-service training in equipping educators with effective teaching strategies to bridge foundational learning gaps.
Attended by members of AKU-IED's faculty, students, and staff, the dialogue underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving educational reforms and ensuring that all children have access to quality foundational learning.
In a collaborative effort aimed at advancing educational policies in Pakistan, the Pakistan Foundational Learning Hub (PFL Hub) joined hands with the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) to host a policy dialogue on Foundational Learning in Pakistan. The session, held as part of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training's initiatives, served as a platform to translate high-quality research into actionable policies.
Led by Mr Sam Wilson, Project Director of the PFL Hub, and Dr Zainab Salim, Senior Associate, Research at the PFL Hub, the presentation shed light on the critical concept of foundational learning. Foundational learning, defined as the attainment of basic literacy and numeracy skills at a minimum grade 3 level proficiency, was underscored as crucial for all children, irrespective of age or schooling status.
The dialogue brought to light alarming statistics revealing the learning crisis among children in Pakistan. A staggering 78% of children cannot read a simple sentence with understanding by age 10, with notable disparities in learning levels among different demographics. The session emphasized the urgent need for sustained political commitment to learning, coupled with efficient financing and support mechanisms for parents and teachers.
Key strategies for addressing the foundational learning crisis were discussed, including early interventions, investments in teacher training, and strengthening the education system. The conversation stressed the pivotal role of pre-service and in-service training in equipping educators with effective teaching strategies to bridge foundational learning gaps.
Attended by members of AKU-IED's faculty, students, and staff, the dialogue underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving educational reforms and ensuring that all children have access to quality foundational learning.