On December 17, 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) became a vibrant hub of educational innovation as the Schools2030 Pakistan Regional Showcase 2024 took place. This event celebrated the dedication of educators who have developed innovative micro-solutions to address unique challenges in their schools.
Twelve educators, representing schools from each cluster across GB, presented their innovations, each reflecting a spirit of resourcefulness and creativity. These teacher-led solutions work to improve learning outcomes by creating teaching practices targeted to the needs of students, and by improving the quality of the learning environment. In this way, the teachers’ ideas aim to empower students academically and improve their social-emotional wellbeing.
The event was attended by a range of diverse stakeholders including government officials, educational leaders, and development partners, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to advancing education in the region.
Stakeholder Dialogue
In his keynote address, Mr Faiz Ullah Khan Lone, Director General Schools GB, stated that, “Innovation is the heartbeat of progress. By embracing new ideas and approaches, we can unlock the full potential of our education system and prepare our children for a brighter future.”
He emphasised the importance of close coordination between the School Education Department and partners like the Aga Khan Development Network, adding, “Events like this demonstrate the extraordinary potential within our education sector. When we nurture creativity and collaboration, the possibilities for growth are vast.”
Mr Abdul Hameed Khan, Controller of the Board of Elementary Examinations, highlighted the Schools2030 holistic approach and expressed enthusiasm for integrating its assessment practices into the state school system.
“Education is more than exams. Holistic assessment captures the full spectrum of learning, from critical thinking and creativity to empathy and collaboration. We need to collaborate further to integrate it into our exam system.”
Abdul Hameed Khan, Controller of the Board of Elementary Examinations
Among the teacher presentations, Zeeba Shah a teacher at Girls Middle School Faizabad Ishkoman shared a successful innovation from her school – creating a vocabulary-rich environment to enhance English proficiency and confidence among students. Through tools like flashcards, pocket diaries, and a vocabulary gallery, this new approach has proved effective, with students confidently using English in daily conversations and school activities.
Another teacher, from a Wakhi-speaking community, shared how her school introduced their own creative strategies to transform English language learning. Initiatives such as spelling competitions, decorating school common areas with vibrant Wakhi and Urdu to English translation posters, and encouraging parental involvement, have helped students to make remarkable progress.
Reflections from educators
Teachers participating in the showcase shared their experiences and insights gained through Schools2030’s Human-Centered Design (HCD) process.
Zeeba Shah, an elementary school teacher at Girls Middle School Faizabad Ishkoman, noted: “The journey of HCD from assessment to showcasing was an exciting opportunity. We learned that decisions should be based on data, not assumptions.”
Afzal Khan, a teacher at Govt PS Tushkin, highlighted the impact of his innovation on students: “Through this innovation, I have witnessed my students becoming more engaged and confident in their learning journey. It has shown me the power of small, meaningful changes in the classroom.”
Mohammad Ayub, teacher at Govt Girls HS Kirmin Gojal Hunza, shared his insights on overcoming the specific challenges in his context: “The HCD process taught me to see challenges as opportunities. By deeply understanding my students’ needs, I could create a solution that truly resonates with them.”
For Nahida Sultana, an elementary school teacher at PS Shitmerg Chapursan, the event marked both a milestone and a moment for motivation: “We are thankful to be given such a platform to share our work with leaders in education. I feel so proud that my work was acknowledged at the provincial level. I will make sure this process doesn’t stop here.”
Finally, Shah Bano, a community teacher at Govt Girls HS Phander, reflected on the power of collective effort and support: “Sharing my work at the regional showcase has been an inspiring experience. It’s empowering to see how teachers from different regions are driving meaningful change.”
A Path Towards Transformation
This Regional Showcase demonstrated exciting possibilities for the future of education and innovation in Gilgit-Baltistan. The discussions underscored the potential for meaningful change when educators, policymakers, and development partners come together with a shared vision. The teachers themselves demonstrated that even in the face of challenges, creativity and collaboration can lead to solutions that redefine learning, and that tackling classroom-level challenges has the potential to transform state-wide learning.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this inspiring event. Together, let’s continue to support our educators and drive meaningful change for the future of learning, each step forward leading us to a more equitable and resilient education system!
