Governor inaugurates Balochistan Basic Education Programme in Quetta
The Balochistan Basic Education Programme (BBEP) was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Governor of Balochistan, Muhammad Khan Achakzai at a ceremony held in Quetta.
The Minister for Education, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, H.E Jean-Francois Cautain, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Ms. Angela Kearney and many senior officials, donors and development partners were present on the occasion.
Balochistan Basic Education Programme (BBEP) is part of the overall Education Reforms that the provincial government embarked upon under the Balochistan Education Section Plan (2013-2018).
The objective of BBEP is to provide quality education for all children and young people, girls and boys. It also aims at establishing a stronger, more accountable and transparent education governance system in the province.
Under the BBEP programme EMIS cells will be established in 100 clusters and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training will be provided to 3,000 teachers across the province.
Chief Guest at the ceremony Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai said, “Education is our priority in Balochistan. Quality education not only strengthens an individual, it also strengthens the people as a nation. The education reforms in Balochistan must not ignore children of communities living in rural areas.”
“The Basic Education Programme is a comprehensive system for improvement of the education sector which covers multiple aspects of the education sector including revision of text books, training of teachers, upgradation of existing schools and constructing the new ones. We are grateful to the European Union and UNICEF for their contribution and interest in the education of children of Balochistan,” Governor Balochistan added.
This programme is funded by The European Union and will be implemented by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with Government of Balochistan.
While, speaking at the occasion, EU Ambassador to Pakistan said that EU puts great emphasis on equitable and quality learning opportunities. In Pakistan, Education is one of key priorities of EU and 32% of the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2014-20 is earmarked for Education Sector.
Mr. Jean-Francois CAUTAIN further added that key focus of EU in Balochistan education sector is on Balochistan Examination and Assessment Commission (BEAC), Teachers Performance, Education Management Information System (EMIS) and Education planning and management at district level.
“We are looking forward to continuing our support to Government of Balochistan in improving education access and quality,” concluded Mr. CAUTAIN.
The BBEP Programme includes the following:
- Establishment of the Balochistan Examination and Assessment Commission (BEAC) to ensure a system of standardized examinations geared towards developing a culture of conceptual understanding at primary and
middle/elementary levels. - Revival of a fully functional Education Management Information System (EMIS) to improve educational governance with focus on monitoring, evaluation, data processing and reporting.
- Improving the accountability and transparency in education sector through strengthening of ‘Real Time School Monitoring’.
- Improving Education Planning and Management at district level.
- Enhancing performance of teachers through training programmes and inculcating child-friendly learning approach.
- Improvement of school infrastructures including provision of water and sanitation facilities.
- Greater involvement of parents and communities to improve the school environment.