Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched the second phase of the English as a Subject for Teachers & Educators (EaSTE-II) programme on September 3 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,” Shah said during the launch at the CM House. He said 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, he added. “Education is the cornerstone of progress in any society, and in Sindh we’re committed to empowering the very individuals who shape the future: our educators.”
He also said EaSTE-II aligns fully with the Sindh Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Model, 2022, and the Early Childhood Care & Education and Foundational Learning Policy, 2024, ensuring that teacher training is integrated into a comprehensive education reform agenda.
He stressed the importance of English language proficiency, describing it as a global skill that facilitates access to knowledge, technology, research and international opportunities. “By empowering our teachers we’re enabling countless students to compete globally while remaining proud of their cultural and linguistic identity.”
He 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, he remarked.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to collaborating closely with the British Council and the British government. “This initiative is not only an investment in teachers but in the future of our entire province.”
He thanked the British Council team, Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, and all the teachers and mentors associated with this initiative. “Together we’re laying the groundwork for a brighter, more educated Sindh.”
The education minister highlighted the role of language skills in enhancing learning outcomes. “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.”
He said EaSTE-II transcends being merely an English language programme, and referred to it as a critical step towards “unlocking learning in every classroom, in every subject, across Sindh”. He added that 45,691 newly recruited teachers have already received initial professional development sessions through the Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority.
The CM 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 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,” he remarked, acknowledging the vital role of international partners.
He thanked the British Council and the British government for their ongoing support in teacher training, English language development and educational reform in Sindh. He reiterated his government’s commitment to embedding CPD within the education system, ensuring every child 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.”
British Council Country Director James Hampson said EaSTE is an online CPD initiative designed to enhance the English language teaching skills of educators. British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Domm, British Council Regional Director Sarah Rogerson, and numerous educators and experts in the field of education were also present on the occasion.
Published in The News on September 04, 2025.
