Karachi, At the 2nd Global Research Congress-2024 hosted by Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), educational experts underscored the critical need for updating curricula and enhancing teacher training to steer society in a positive direction. The discussions, which took place on February 28, 2024, focused on integrating sustainable practices into teacher curricula, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
According to Sindh Madressatul Islam University, the panel featured prominent figures such as Dr. Shireen Mustafa Narejo from the Secretary of Education and Literacy Department, Government of Sindh, and international experts including Dr. Keith Casey Barton from the USA and Dr. Abdul Sattar from Germany. They, along with other academicians like Dr. Sajid Ali, Mrs. Salma, Dr. Hina Kazmi, Dr. Anjum Bano, and Dr. Shahida Sajid, shared insights into the necessity of aligning educational curricula with modern requirements and the importance of comprehensive teacher training.
The experts emphasized the importance of formulating and implementing effective educational policies, highlighting the role of educated parents in the upbringing of children, especially in rural areas where there is a stark lack of educational attainment. They advocated for teacher training that goes beyond the curriculum to include a thorough understanding of modern sciences, ensuring that students are prepared for contemporary challenges.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the significance of public-private partnerships in the education and health sectors, suggesting that such collaborations are essential for improving governance and public services. The disparity between private and public educational institutions’ curricula in Sindh, which fosters a sense of inequality among students, was also critiqued for its adverse effects on society.
A separate panel discussion on “Sustainable Energy Narratives and Local Communities in Sindh” shed light on the impact of development projects on local communities. Speakers including Ms. Zeenia Shaukat, Mr. Sohail Sangi, Ms. Mehwish from the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development, and Mr. Yasir Darya from the Climate Action Centre highlighted the consequences faced by communities, particularly in Thar, where development has not translated into fundamental rights like access to clean drinking water. The panelists urged the government to consider the welfare of local communities in development initiatives.
These discussions at the SMIU Global Research Congress brought to the forefront the urgent need for educational reform and responsible development practices in Sindh, calling for immediate action to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.