Teacher training workshop concluded in Gilgit

Press Release

Gilgit, January 16: Central Asia Institute Gilgit (CAI-G) organized an extensive Teachers’ Training Program in Gilgit from January 1 – 15, 2013. The closing ceremony of the event took place in Serena Gilgit on January 16, 2013.

While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Syed Akhtar Rizvi, Secretary Tourism and Youth Affairs congratulated CAI for successfully completing this extensive training to teachers from remotest valleys of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. He said that it is a good opportunity to make teachers realize that their   responsibility is not to just teach students but more importantly to make them useful citizens. He further said that apart of from academics, teachers need to instill values and norms which are much needed to build a coherent society where we are together as a nation. He said that building character of a child is so important that means building the capacity of teachers in the right direction is a must. In that manner, he applauded the efforts of CAI for building and promoting professionalism amongst teachers.

While welcoming the guests, The CEO- CAI-G Mr. Saidullah Baig termed it a historic event in the history of the organization where a large number of teachers from far flung areas of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral benefited from the experience and expertise of highly qualified teachers.

Ms. Karin Ronnow, Director Communications CAI- USA appreciated the efforts of her team and said that together, ”we are making history.” She said that the role of teachers is so crucial in uplifting their communities and making a better world for everyone.

“All of you here today are making history,” she said. And the course participants learned many new things. “But I hope that one thing shines through, ad that you never forget it, and that is that education, good teaching should come from the soul, as well as from the mind. … Take all that back to your classrooms. Throw your heart and soul into your work.”

She further shared a message from Greg Mortenson, the founder of CAI whereby he said that in the Holy Quran the first word of the revelation is READ. All of you are gathered to honor the commandment of Allah to educate children because “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

The Teacher’ Training program was implemented by Human & Enterprise Development Institute (HEDI) Gilgit. Teacher Educator from HEDI Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bulbul applauded the efforts of CAI and termed it a unique program that brought together teachers from different regions hence representing various cultures and languages which was yet another dimension of learning, sharing and caring.

Mr. Sarwar Khan, Community leader also shared his views and said that CAI established the first ever college in the remotest Ishkoman valley which was a great sign for the development of the community. He said that from 16 students in 2010 we have now around 200 students which a great service. He appreciated the efforts of Mr. Saidullah and his team.

Mr. Sultan Ahmed, Chiarman HEDI gave a snapshot of the training program and said that “The program was designed to enhance the understanding of participants in teaching and learning focused on: purpose of education, teaching strategies, writing reflections, classroom management, developing lesson plan, making low-cost no-cost materials, curriculum enrichment, teaching Science, Math, Social Studies and languages, item writing, assessment, assigning and checking homework besides an introduction to ECD. He said that all participants and teachers made their level best efforts to make it a successful teaching and learning opportunity and the results of pre-post test assessment as well as active participation of CPs is an evidence of the success of the program.