LAHORE: The Punjab government has declared the launch of intelligence (AI) and robotics courses, in public schools. State-of-the-art laboratories are being established throughout the province to offer experience in these advanced technologies.
Students attending government schools won’t be confined to textbooks anymore. They will get the chance to construct robots explore programming and acquire hands-on experience, with AI applications.
After the conclusion of pilot programs, in certain schools the government has chosen to extend the project across the province setting up advanced laboratories to support students all over Punjab.
As stated by the Punjab Education Department these AI and robotics laboratories will be essential, in nurturing creativity enhancing problem-solving abilities and enabling the hands-on use of technology for students.
Maryam Fatima, Master Trainer at the STEM Lab, said, “The goal of this program is to equip students with modern skills that are essential for future career opportunities. We want children not only to use technology but also to be capable of creating it themselves.”
KP CM stresses inclusion of AI courses in 6th grade
A meeting of the Primary and Secondary Education Department was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, in which modern educational reforms and introducing courses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government schools were discussed.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses be introduced in government schools of the province from the sixth grade so that students can be exposed to future technology. The Chief Minister directed the Primary and Secondary Education Department to take immediate steps in this regard and stressed on provide necessary resources on an emergency basis.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi said that “the role of artificial intelligence has become central in the future economy, education, health, and administrative system, so teaching AI to the youth is actually to enable them to face the challenges of the future.” The Chief Minister further said that “Artificial Intelligence education will develop creative thinking and world-class skills in the youth, which will make them globally competitive.”
In the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed to creation of new posts to meet the shortage of teachers in schools of the merged districts. He said that “unexpected visits will be made to government schools of the province to improve attendance and results so that the quality of education can be improved.” The Chief Minister also directed the Provincial Education Minister and officials of the Education Department to visit government schools and review the situation.
The Chief Minister further said that “employees who are negligent in government affairs will be dismissed from their posts.” He stressed that the publication of textbooks provided to students should be done through the government printing press, and an inquiry should be made for the printing of textbooks and the purchase of stationery.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi sought detailed data related to the Girls Guide Fund and Scouts Fund from the Primary and Secondary Education Department and was directed to develop an effective mechanism to manage these funds in a better manner. The Chief Minister also directed to digitization of all matters related to posting transfer, leave encashment, and promotion of teachers.
Finally, the Chief Minister also directed to transfer of the scholarships provided in schools to the digital system so that the best educational opportunities can be provided to the students and transparency can be ensured in the education system.
The Chief Minister said that “all these steps will not only improve the quality of education but will also equip our youth with modern skills and make them prominent on the global stage.”
The decisions of the Chief Minister in this meeting make it clear that the provincial government is committed to aligning the education system with modern technology so that the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can compete on the global stage.
