Oxford University Join Forces with Malala Fund to Train Pakistani Teacher-Educators
The University of Oxford has signed a landmark contract with the Malala Fund to support the Pakistani non-government organization Durbeen. This collaboration aims to train teacher-educators in Pakistan through a groundbreaking program, the first of its kind in South Asia. Renowned rockstar and education reform campaigner Shehzad Roy emphasized the significance of this initiative.
Collaboration Details
In an interview at Oxford University, Shehzad Roy expressed gratitude to Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai for her role in facilitating this partnership. He explained that the collaboration focuses on developing the curriculum for a Master of Science (M.S.) program, which will train faculty to teach the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program in Pakistan’s Teacher Training Institutions.
Specialization Tracks
The M.S. program will offer five specialization tracks: Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Educational Psychology. Each track will prepare teacher-educators to instruct specific B.Ed. courses. The overarching goal is to cultivate a workforce capable of transforming teacher education institutions across Pakistan, ultimately fostering a new generation of professionally trained, high-quality school teachers.
Key Individuals Involved
Key figures in this partnership include the Malala Fund, Shehzad Roy (founder of the Zindagi Trust), Salma A. Alam (CEO of Durbeen), and Dr. Ann Childs, Dr. Aliya Khalid, and Dr. Ian Thompson from the University of Oxford. Dr. Ian Thompson shared insights from his visit to Karachi and other regions, where he met teachers and trainers to gather firsthand knowledge about their training processes. This understanding contributed to the development of a specific program tailored for training teachers of teachers.
Impact on Educational Standards
Shehzad Roy emphasized the importance of proper teacher training, noting its direct impact on students. He stated that without proper training, students may achieve qualifications but lack critical thinking and analytical skills essential for the modern age. This program is designed for trainers, and its positive effects on educational standards are anticipated to benefit future generations.
A Milestone for Pakistan
Salma Alam highlighted this initiative as a major milestone for Pakistan, particularly as it recognizes teacher-educators as a distinct cadre—an unprecedented move in the country. She noted that Oxford’s program is unique in its focus on teacher-educators. Alam emphasized that quality education begins at the top; without capable teacher-educators, a professionally qualified teaching workforce cannot emerge.
Through this partnership, the aim is to develop teacher educators for Pakistan’s government training institutions, who will, in turn, prepare teachers for government schools. This initiative signals the beginning of a future where Pakistan can become a hub of educational innovation.
