Islamabad: In a significant effort to promote education in Pakistan’s remote districts, UNESCO and the Italian government have unveiled an innovative project aimed at enhancing educational opportunities through Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI). Titled “Radio Education: Promotion of Learning through Radio in Isolated Areas of Pakistan,” the initiative was launched during a kick-off event on September 18, 2024, focusing on delivering educational content that includes Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and cultural heritage awareness.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the project, with a budget of USD 1 million provided by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), is designed to use radio programming to facilitate inclusive and engaging educational activities. It targets children and youth, both in and out of school, and aims to build the capacity of teachers to use broadcast curriculum effectively.
The launch event featured key figures including Her Excellency Ms. Marilina Armellin, the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, and Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan. Attendees also included representatives from Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the National Heritage and Culture Division, among others.
Her Excellency Ms. Armellin emphasized the project’s role in combating illiteracy and promoting national development. She highlighted the importance of government support, teacher involvement, and active parental participation in the educational process, particularly through after-school programs facilitated by radio.
Mr. Tam pointed out the critical role of technology in bridging educational gaps in remote areas, noting that the project will help protect cultural and natural heritage while ensuring a sustainable future for Pakistan’s isolated communities.
Additional comments from Pakistani government officials underscored the importance of digital education and the effective use of radio in areas with limited technological infrastructure. Mr. Hassan Saqlain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, noted the government’s commitment to achieving educational targets set for 2030, describing the project as a crucial effort towards this goal.
The event concluded with remarks from Mr. Francesco Zatta, Head of Office at AICS Islamabad, who stressed the importance of a holistic educational approach that integrates family, community, and environmental perspectives.
The project will be implemented over two years in six districts including Diamer and Gupis-Yasin in Gilgit-Baltistan, Lower Kohistan, Mohmand, and Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Loralai in Balochistan, aiming to reach 30,000 children, 75,000 youth and adults, and 25,000 families.