Sindh govt, British Council launch EaSTE-II programme to train 30,000 teachers

Sindh govt, British Council launch EaSTE-II programme to train 30,000 teachers

KARACHI (Sept 2): The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, officially launched the second phase of the English as a Subject for Teachers and Educators (EaSTE-II) programme in collaboration with the British Council.

“This initiative is hailed as a landmark effort aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Sindh by bolstering teacher capacity,” he said.

The launch ceremony, held at CM House, was graced by Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Deputy British High Commissioner in Karachi, Lance Domm, British Council Pakistan Country Director, James Hampson, Regional Director, Sarah Rogerson, and numerous educators and experts in the field of education.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister highlighted that EaSTE-II builds upon the achievements of the first phase and is set to benefit 30,000 newly inducted primary and early childhood teachers, 1,000 trained mentors, and 35 course leaders across the province. The programme aims to equip teachers with essential professional skills and confidence from the outset of their careers, establishing a sustainable model for continuous learning.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress in any society, and in Sindh, we are committed to empowering the very individuals who shape the future, our educators,” remarked Mr Shah. He noted that the EaSTE-II initiative aligns fully with the Sindh Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Model 2022 and the ECCE & Foundational Learning Policy 2024, ensuring that teacher training is integrated into a comprehensive education reform agenda.

Murad Ali Shah stressed the importance of English language proficiency, describing it as a global skill that facilitates access to knowledge, technology, research, and international opportunities. He stated, “By empowering our teachers, we are enabling countless students to compete globally while remaining proud of their cultural and linguistic identity.”

The CM highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme, which prioritises female teachers, minority groups, and educators with disabilities, while also promoting local languages, such as Sindhi and Urdu, alongside English.

Projections indicate that EaSTE-II will ultimately improve learning outcomes for nearly two million children enrolled in public schools throughout Sindh.

On behalf of the Sindh government, Shah reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating closely with the British Council and the British Government. He stated, “This initiative is not only an investment in teachers but in the future of our entire province.”

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude towards the British Council team, Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and all teachers and mentors associated with this initiative, concluding, “Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more educated Sindh.”
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah also spoke at the event, emphasising the role of language skills in enhancing learning outcomes. He articulated, “A child who learns a language well learns every other subject better. Language is not just a subject, it is the bridge to knowledge, to thinking, to expression.”

Sardar Shah remarked that EaSTE-II transcends being merely an English language programme, referring to it as a critical step towards “unlocking learning in every classroom, in every subject, across Sindh.”

According to the Education Department, 45,691 newly recruited teachers have already received initial professional development sessions through STEDA. The current phase aims to train an additional 30,000 new primary and early childhood teachers, with the support of 1,000 mentors and 35 course leaders. This initiative is projected to benefit two million children directly.

The Chief Minister commended the innovative training model under EaSTE-II, which incorporates digital self-learning modules, hybrid and online sessions, and communities of practice for peer learning. He noted that UNESCO has recently recognised Sindh’s teachers as “Creative Teachers” for their innovative use of artificial intelligence alongside traditional folk wisdom in their classrooms.

“This is the model of teacher development we need in the 21st century - flexible, scalable, and sustainable,” Shah remarked, acknowledging the vital role of international partners. He extended his thanks to the British Council and the British Government for their ongoing support in teacher training, English language development, and educational reform in Sindh.

The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the Sindh government’s commitment to embedding continuous professional development within the education system, ensuring every child in Sindh has access to quality teachers, quality learning, and quality opportunities. Addressing the teachers directly, he said, “You are the heart of this initiative. Remember, every child you teach is not just learning English—they are learning to dream bigger, think sharper, and aim higher.”

Mr James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council, stated that the EaSTE programme is an online Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiative designed to enhance the English language teaching skills of educators.