On October 19, 2024, the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) organized its annual National Conference at the prestigious Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore. The conference, themed “Knowledge-Economy & Role of Private Schools in Pakistan, Focused on Skills and Youth Development,” brought together a distinguished audience of educators, policymakers, government officials, and private sector leaders. The event highlighted the increasingly important role of private schools in advancing Pakistan’s educational goals, with a focus on enhancing youth skills and fostering the country’s knowledge economy.
This comprehensive event included keynote speeches, panel discussions, awards distributions, and thought-provoking documentaries that explored the multifaceted contributions of private schools to the development of skills and the promotion of youth empowerment. In an era where knowledge and skills are critical drivers of economic development, this conference underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of Pakistan.
A Day of Insight and Collaboration
The APPSF National Conference 2024 set out with a clear objective: to explore how private schools in Pakistan can contribute to the country’s evolving knowledge economy by focusing on critical skills development for young people. With attendees representing various sectors of the education landscape, the event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and propose solutions for enhancing the quality of education in Pakistan.
The day began with the registration of guests, followed by the traditional recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem, establishing an atmosphere of unity and national pride.
Documentaries: A Visual Insight into Private Schools’ Impact
The conference featured a series of documentaries produced by APPSF, which were showcased early in the program. These documentaries provided an in-depth look at the role of private schools in Pakistan’s education system, particularly their contributions to the knowledge economy. The visual presentations detailed how private schools are actively working to equip students with essential skills that go beyond the traditional academic curriculum, focusing on vocational training, technological literacy, and critical thinking.
The documentaries also highlighted the significant challenges faced by private schools, such as access to resources, regulatory hurdles, and the need for better teacher training programs. Despite these challenges, the resilience and innovation demonstrated by private schools were evident, positioning them as key players in the education sector.
Welcome Note: Setting the Tone for Collaboration
In his welcome note, Mr. Hussnain Abbas Mirza, President of APPSF (Punjab), extended a warm welcome to the participants and emphasized the importance of the event’s theme. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of private schools in providing quality education to millions of students across Pakistan and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration between public and private sectors.
Mr. Mirza highlighted the growing importance of skills-based education in today’s global economy and called for a collective effort to ensure that students, particularly those in private schools, receive the training and support necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He noted that private schools have the flexibility and resources to adopt innovative teaching methods, making them uniquely positioned to lead the charge in skills development.
Opening Remarks: The Role of Private Schools in Nation-Building
Honourable Mr. Kashif Mirza, President of APPSF, delivered the opening remarks, during which he emphasized the vital role that private schools play in Pakistan’s education system. With over 40% of the country’s students enrolled in private schools, Mr. Mirza noted that these institutions are not just alternatives to public education but key contributors to nation-building.
Mr. Mirza spoke passionately about the knowledge economy, explaining that in today’s world, economies are increasingly driven by knowledge, skills, and innovation rather than traditional industries. He argued that private schools must focus on cultivating skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
He also addressed the need for teacher development programs that focus on training educators to adopt modern pedagogical techniques, ensuring that students receive the highest quality education possible. In his remarks, Mr. Mirza called for a more integrated approach to education, where private schools work closely with government institutions to share resources, expertise, and best practices.
Keynote Addresses: Commitment to Education and Strengthening Institutions
The conference featured two insightful keynote addresses by prominent government officials. These addresses provided valuable perspectives on Pakistan’s commitment to education and the government’s role in supporting educational institutions.
- Keynote 1: Pakistan’s Commitment to Quality Education Honourable Secretary Mr. Khalid Nazir Watto from the Ministry of School Education Punjab delivered the first keynote address. He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education in Pakistan, particularly through partnerships with private institutions. Mr. Watto acknowledged that private schools play a crucial role in complementing the public education system and ensuring that students across the country have access to high-quality education.He also discussed the government’s policy reforms aimed at enhancing teacher training, curriculum development, and school infrastructure. Mr. Watto’s speech reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships in education and called for continued collaboration to address the challenges facing the sector.
- Keynote 2: Role of FTO in Strengthening Educational Institutions The second keynote address was delivered by Honourable Dr. Asif Mehmood Jah, Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO). Dr. Jah spoke about the role of the FTO in supporting and strengthening educational institutions, particularly by ensuring fair treatment for both teachers and schools. He emphasized that the FTO is committed to addressing grievances related to education and working to protect the rights of students and educators alike.Dr. Jah highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency within educational institutions, noting that these principles are essential for building trust between schools, teachers, students, and parents. He also discussed the FTO’s role in promoting equitable access to education, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Panel Discussion: Knowledge-Economy & Role of Private Schools
One of the most engaging sessions of the day was the panel discussion on the topic of “Knowledge-Economy & Role of Private Schools in Pakistan, Focused on Skills and Youth Development.” This dynamic discussion brought together a diverse group of experts from both the private and public sectors, offering a wide range of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan’s education system.
The discussion was moderated by Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, a legal advisor to FTO, and Ms. Fiqa Masood Dar, CEO of Highminders. The panellists included notable figures such as Mr. Kashif Mirza, President of APPSF; Mr. Roy Anderson, Senior Education Advisor; Prof. Olga Kazakova, Dean of Volga State University, Russia; and several other key stakeholders in the education sector.
The panellists explored various topics, including:
- The integration of technology in education and how private schools are adopting digital tools to enhance learning experiences.
- The importance of teacher training and development ensures that educators are equipped to teach the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
- Curriculum innovation and how private schools can move beyond traditional rote learning methods to focus on project-based learning and practical skills.
- The role of entrepreneurship and how schools can encourage students to think creatively and take initiative in solving real-world problems.
The panel also addressed the challenges facing private schools, such as regulatory barriers, limited access to government funding, and the need for greater support in teacher training. However, the panelists agreed that private schools have the potential to lead the way in transforming Pakistan’s education system, particularly by focusing on skills development and innovation.
Awards Distribution: Recognizing Excellence in Education
Throughout the day, the conference held several awards distribution ceremonies, recognizing individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to education. Awards were presented to educators, school administrators, and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to improving educational standards and promoting innovation in teaching.
These awards served as a reminder of the incredible work being done by private schools across Pakistan and inspired participants to continue striving for excellence in their own educational endeavours.
Key Themes and Takeaways
The APPSF National Conference 2024 concluded with a series of closing remarks by Honourable Secretary Mr. Khalid Nazir Watto and other key speakers, who summarized the key discussions of the day. Several important themes emerged from the event, including:
- The need for public-private collaboration to ensure that all students in Pakistan have access to quality education.
- The importance of skills-based learning and the role of private schools in preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce.
- The significance of teacher training and professional development programs that equip educators with the tools and techniques needed to succeed in today’s classrooms.
- This is a recognition that private schools are at the forefront of educational innovation, particularly when it comes to integrating technology and fostering creativity among students.
The conference also underscored the importance of equity in education, with discussions on how to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the same opportunities for learning and growth.
Conclusion
The APPSF’s National Conference 2024 was a landmark event that brought together key stakeholders from across Pakistan’s education sector to discuss the critical role of private schools in fostering the country’s knowledge economy. The event succeeded in highlighting the importance of skills development, teacher training, and innovation in education, while also emphasizing the need for collaboration between public and private institutions.