STEAM Pakistan and NED University Collaborate to Enhance STEAM Learning in Government Schools
STEAM Pakistan, an initiative under the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training (MoFEPT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NED University of Engineering and Technology. The aim of this partnership is to enhance the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning outcomes of students enrolled in government schools. The MoU seeks to foster collaboration among universities, schools, and communities to positively impact mathematics and science learning experiences.
As part of the collaboration, students from government schools will have the opportunity to visit NED University to explore various fields of study. They will also engage in interactive STEAM outreach activities such as Maths Circles, STEAM Clubs, and Safeer guest speaker sessions conducted by the university within their schools. Additionally, NED University will host students and teachers from partner schools for competitions, talks, and teachers’ hub sessions, aimed at fostering interest and learning in STEAM subjects.
To improve STEAM learning outcomes in government schools, NED University will undertake several initiatives. These include organizing university tours for students, conducting Safeer guest speaker sessions focused on STEAM, and hosting STEAM-a-thons. The STEAM Pakistan program’s Policy Unit will provide technical support to NED University for these activities. Furthermore, the program will facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among other partner universities associated with STEAM Pakistan.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at NED University’s campus, attended by notable guests including Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University; Ghazanfar Hussain, Registrar of NED University; Dr. Saad Qazi, Dean of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NED University; Dr. Fouzia Khan, Chief Advisor and Additional Secretary of the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, and Salman Naveed Khan, Lead of STEAM Pakistan.
Sana Kazmi, Head of STEM Policy Unit (Sindh), expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with NED, a renowned institution for excellence in engineering and other STEAM disciplines in Pakistan. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our efforts to advance STEAM education in government schools, where resources are often limited. We eagerly anticipate the interaction between our schoolchildren and top engineering students, which we believe will inspire and motivate both groups to realize their full potential in STEAM.”
Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the STEAM Pakistan program, emphasizing the importance of making the collaboration impactful, sustainable, and meaningful. He highlighted NED University’s existing engagement in various STEM initiatives and emphasized the institution’s commitment to making this collaboration beneficial for society and the country.
The partnership will also involve guided field trips, STEAM camps, and hackathons for students from partner government schools. NED University will support content development for popularizing mathematics and science and provide opportunities for its faculty and students to conduct research on STEM initiatives within partner government schools. This collaboration represents a crucial step in promoting STEAM education in Pakistan and enhancing the learning outcomes of students in government schools.
