Children Need to be Equipped with Practical Life Skills: Education Secretary

1 min read

ISLAMABAD: Quality education should not only focus on academic excellence but also equip children with practical life skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving and informed decision-making, enabling them to become responsible and productive citizens.

This was stated by Federal Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub during the launching ceremony of Grade IV Digital Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) Learning Management System (LMS) Pilot in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

He described the digitisation of the Grade IV LSBE curriculum as an important milestone in preparing children for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

Mr Mahbub reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the education sector through innovation and technology.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, through its National Curriculum Council Wing (NCCW), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan and ACT International, launched the said initiative, “marking a significant step towards integrating digital innovation into school education and promoting essential life skills among young learners,” says a press release.

The launch ceremony was held at Islamabad College for Boys, G-6/3, and was attended by senior government officials, representatives of UNFPA Pakistan, development partners, education experts, school leaders and teachers.

According to the education ministry, the Digital LSBE Learning Management System provides an interactive, age-appropriate and gender-sensitive curriculum for Grade IV students while equipping teachers with modern digital teaching resources.

The three-month pilot will be implemented in 20 schools across Islamabad Capital Territory, including eight schools under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and 12 schools under the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira).

“The initiative will assess the effectiveness of the digital platform, with findings expected to guide future policy decisions and support its phased expansion to additional grades and schools across the country,” read the press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Pakistan Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting adolescents and young people through quality Life Skills-Based Education. She noted that the programme equips children with the knowledge, values, and practical skills needed to make informed decisions while fostering confidence, empathy, effective communication and respect for diversity.

She added that the digital platform would further strengthen inclusive, learner-centred education and improve access to quality learning resources for both teachers and students.

“The Grade IV Digital LSBE LMS Pilot reflects the strong partnership between the government of Pakistan, UNFPA Pakistan and ACT International and reaffirms their shared commitment to advancing inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education for every child,” read the press release.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026.

Previous Story

NA Body Wants Nationwide Standard Age for Marriage

Next Story

Transparent Probe, Strict Action Sought against culprits behind HIV outbreaks in Sindh

Latest from Blog

Govt to Replace Textbooks in Schools to Suit Newly-introduced Semester System

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board plans to change the textbooks for each grade in line with the semester system recently introduced in public and private schools. “The decision to change the course books of each grade has been taken after the implementation of semester system in schools by elementary…

Teenager Killed 19 Days Ago Laid to Rest as Family Ends Sit-in

KARACHI: Nineteen days after he was shot dead during a house robbery in Manghopir, family and relatives of 17-year-old Rosham Hussain ended their protest sit-in outside the Manghopir police station and buried their loved one in a local graveyard on Sep 27. His funeral prayer was offered at a ground near…

Where we Fail in Education

In my classroom, I encounter students who are more concerned with securing marks than acquiring knowledge. Some have learned to memorise answers, while others believe grades could be secured through influence or money. Parents, too, often measure educational success by examination scores and admission to prestigious university programmes. The result…

APTA Seeks Early Regularisation of Primary Teachers

PESHAWAR: All Primary Teachers Association (APTA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Azizullah Khan has urged the provincial government to complete the regularisation of 14,000 teachers at the earliest and implement its decision to upgrade primary school teachers. Talking to reporters here on Friday, he said a separate directorate for primary education was…

Reducing the burden

PAKISTAN’S students do not need voluminous textbooks especially in the early stages; they need better learning. The Punjab government’s decision to revise the curriculum from pre-primary to Grade 5, reduce textbook volume by 25pc, and shift students away from rote learning is therefore a welcome step. The current education system…
Go toTop