Why Pakistan
STEM Education in Pakistan
- The concept of STEM education in Pakistan is poorly developed and is still emerging.
- It is mostly concentrated in private sector making it out of reach for a large section of the under privileged population.
- There is chronic lack of laboratories, equipment and other resources needed to teach STEM subjects.
- Standards of teaching are generally poor.
- STEM curriculum is not adequately developed.
- Cultivation of stem educated personnel is the urgent need of the day.
- With approximately 50% literacy rate the STEM educational infrastructure is poorly organised.
- Science-based competent teachers are in not readily available.
- There is a great need to introduce advanced teaching method in the STEM subjects.
- Currently there is little credible Pakistan research and literature in the STEM subjects.
- Practical activities in the STEM training are scarce.
- STEM education is relatively more expensive therefore a large section of population cannot afford it.
MULTAN
Considering all the above factors, the trust decided to base this project in the city of Multan in Pakistan. Multan boasts a rich history and a promising future! It’s a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and yet, it stands strong today as a symbol of resilience and hope. Discover what makes this city so unique and how we can help it to develop further.
STEM's Impact will develop a whole region
This graduate Institute will specialise in the teaching and training of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. It will be based at the Vehari Road in Multan, just 5 km from the main north-south motorway M4. With its inter-motorway links, M4 is connected to all parts of the country, making access easier. By multiple daily flights, it is internationally connected to Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other cities of the Middle East, making it easier to connect to different parts of the world. Geographically, Multan is situated right in the centre of Pakistan, making access equidistant. Historically, Multan presents the living Indus Valley civilisation visited by Alexander the Great in 325 BC, and due to its historic and ancient resemblance, Multan is twinned with City of Rome in Italy.
The initially identified land area for the Institute is 8.6 acres. A further 12.6 acres shall be available for future expansion. A 130-foot-wide avenue, including shoulder Palm tree plantations on both sides, will lead to the Institute.
The initial covered area of the Institute is planned to be over 500,000 sq. ft. This will be a G+3 building. The building is specially designed to counter the effects of hot weather in the local area. The Institute will be developed gradually and in stages. There are plans to build student hostel facilities on site. The project will be a visible, brick-and-mortar technical institute for everybody to see.
STEM's Impact will develop a whole region
Multan is the seventh-largest city in Pakistan, located on the bank of Chenab River whose tributaries extend to the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. It is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. Throughout its long history, Multan has been part of Arab, Persian, Afghan, Mughal, Sikh and finally the British empire.
The population of the city is about 2.2M, however Multan is the cultural, economic and educational hub of southern Punjab with a population of 40M.
The benefits to Pakistan
In the international context, Pakistan is a 3rd world country and is under-developed in the socio-economic index. Within Pakistan, the region around Multan is further underdeveloped and underserved. With low literacy rate. STEM education is need of the day for several reasons:
Economic Development
STEM fields are crucial for driving economic growth and innovation. By investing in STEM education, Pakistan can develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to critical sectors such as information technology, engineering, biotechnology, and renewable energy. This will create job opportunities, and stimulate economic development.
Global Competitiveness
Countries compete based on technological advancements and innovation in today’s increasingly interconnected world. With a strong foundation in STEM education, Pakistan can stay competitive with other nations in various industries. STEM education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a globalized economy.
Addressing Societal Challenges
There are many challenges facing Pakistan e.g., access to clean water, healthcare, energy shortages, and sustainable agriculture. These require innovative STEM solutions. STEM education fosters problem-solving, and creativity, empowering individuals to effectively develop and implement technologies that address these challenges.
Employment Opportunities
STEM-related occupations offer higher wages and greater job security than non-STEM fields. By providing quality STEM education, we can help the underprivileged to access many rewarding career opportunities. This is especially important for youth employment, as 64% of the population of Pakistan is under 30.
Technological Advancement
The STEM education drives technological advancement and digital literacy. With rapid advances in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology, individuals with STEM skills are better positioned to adapt to technological changes and contribute to innovation in various sectors.
World Security
STEM education is critical for enhancing world security, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, ecology, food production and disaster management. By developing a strong STEM workforce specialising in various fields, Pakistan can contribute to the safety of the world by better protecting its citizens and infrastructure from emerging threats and challenges such as floods and natural disasters which are a common occurrence in the area.
Investing in STEM education is essential for region’s long-term development, prosperity and socio-economic progress. It prepares individuals for future jobs and enables the country to address pressing societal issues, foster innovation, and compete effectively in the global marketplace.
WITH THE COUNTRY’S GDP OF $1650 (2023) PER CAPITA,
THE LIFE OF A STUDENT IN PAKISTAN MAY BE AS FOLLOWS:
With prevalent poverty and financial needs of the family mean children often have to work and not go to school. Family financial needs are so pressing that those fortunate enough to go to school usually leave early and do not get opportunity to go to higher education let alone STEM education which tends to be more expensive than literal subjects, limiting their ability to excel in life. Very often young adults need to work to pay off their parent’s inherited debt. They remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. Girls are especially greatly disadvantaged in the society as they are often married away at an early age. Subsidised or free technical education will liberate these people by providing a decent well-paid jobs otherwise they will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty from which they may never come out.