https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Sept 24 (Diplomatic Star): The UNESCO and Italy have joined hands to launch an exciting new project aimed at enhancing education in Pakistan’s remote areas through the use of Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI).
The project, called “Radio Education: Promotion of Learning through Radio in Isolated Areas of Pakistan,” will officially kick off on September 18, 2024.
This project seeks to use radio broadcasts to reach children, youth, and adults in isolated regions who otherwise have limited access to education.
The initiative will also focus on raising awareness of environmental issues, sustainable development, and preserving Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
The two-year project will cover six districts across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, aiming to reach over 130,000 people.
Radio for Learning and Development
The project is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) with a total budget of USD 1 million. It will deliver educational content to promote global citizenship, environmental awareness, and an understanding of Pakistan’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The radio programs will not only focus on in-school learners but also aim to engage out-of-school youth and adults.
The educational content will be accessible via radio in areas where modern technology and internet access are limited, bridging the educational gap for communities living in these remote areas. By focusing on sustainable development and cultural preservation, the project aims to build resilience in these communities and contribute to the country’s long-term socio-economic stability.
Key Stakeholders and Event Highlights
The project launch event was attended by a range of dignitaries, including Her Excellency Ms. Marilina Armellin, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, and Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan.
Representatives from Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, provincial education and culture departments, civil society organizations, and various government ministries were also present.
The Ambassador Ms. Armellin highlighted the importance of education in fostering personal growth and national development, particularly in areas where traditional schooling is hard to access.
She emphasized the role of parents, teachers, and government in supporting this project and making education a collaborative effort.
“Through education and lifelong learning, radio content will provide practical information about sustainable development practices and resilience against disasters,” she said.
Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam expressed his gratitude to the Italian government for funding the project.
He said, “This project is a crucial opportunity for remote communities to learn, preserve their heritage, and work towards a sustainable future.”
Support from Government Officials
The Pakistani government, particularly the Ministry of Education and Professional Training, expressed strong support for the initiative.
Mr. Hassan Saqlain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, said that while digital education is a priority, radio is an effective tool in areas where technology infrastructure is lacking.
He acknowledged that the country is already making significant efforts to meet its educational goals by 2030, and this project will further contribute to achieving those targets.
Mr. Zameer Abbas, Secretary for Tourism, Sports, and Culture in Gilgit-Baltistan, also praised the project and suggested that broadcasting on Medium Waves and FM would make it even more successful.
Impact on Remote Communities
The project will be implemented in six districts: Diamer and Gupis-Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, Lower Kohistan, Mohmand, and Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Loralai in Balochistan. The radio programs aim to reach 30,000 children, 75,000 youth and adults, and 25,000 families over the next two years.
These broadcasts will focus on delivering quality education and fostering skills that are vital for community development and resilience.
Mr. Saleh Muhammad Nasar, Secretary of the School Education Department in Balochistan, stressed the importance of addressing the needs of out-of-school children in these remote areas. He also suggested expanding the project to cover more districts in Balochistan, where educational resources are scarce.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The launch event concluded with remarks from Mr. Francesco Zatta, Head of the AICS Office in Islamabad.
He underscored the importance of education in promoting sustainable development and emphasized that this project would provide a holistic approach to learning by integrating education with culture, community, and environmental awareness.
The two-year collaboration between UNESCO, the Government of Italy, and local stakeholders is set to make a lasting impact in Pakistan’s most underserved regions.
The project not only aims to provide educational opportunities but also seeks to strengthen communities by fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
As the project unfolds, the partnership will serve as a model for how radio and traditional media can be leveraged to address educational challenges in isolated areas, ensuring that no child or adult is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.
