Representatives from nine robotics companies from across Pakistan met with Balochistan’s Education Secretary Abdul Fateh Bangar in Quetta this week to discuss the introduction of robotics-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Balochistan.

Presenting innovative ideas regarding the use of technology at education institutions, the representatives explained how STEM studies could improve education in schools across the province.

Briefing the secretary, the representatives said robotics is the latest technology being used in classrooms throughout the country, with labs being introduced to students from grade 1.

“Robotics is a regular subject in school with grade wise curriculum, toolkits, textbooks and teacher’s guides available for grades 1-12. We conduct workshops and competitions to build interest among teachers and students,” the company representatives said.

Additional Secretary Farooq Kakar invited the companies to work with the government on computer stimulation that he said had shown positive results.

“Robotic companies could collaborate and help us to implement STEM education in schools on a larger scale,” Kakar said.

The meeting between the representatives and the companies was organised by education campaign Alif Ailaan, which has also been collaborating with federal government and the provincial governments of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Science camps have already been introduced in KP, with students and teachers from 20 districts participating in 2000 government schools in August.

The summer camp was attended by Qaiser Alam (Special Secretary), Rafiq Khattak (Director Education), Sharif Hussain (Director Education Sector Reform Unit-ESRU), Arbab Muhammad Asim Khan (Nazim Peshawar) and a number of other officials.

The camp revolved around the theme of “popular science” with its purpose on imparting knowledge on the importance of everyday science. A number of activities has been designed by volunteer and partner organizations that will enhance student understanding on modern science and its inventive approaches outside the classroom’s learning.

Special Secretary E&SED, Qaisar Alam acknowledged the participation of all individual volunteers and partner organizations including Pakistan Science Foundation, Khwarzmi Science Foundation, Robo Kids, Pakistan Astronomy Society, Pakistan Science Club, Wonder Tree, Sabaq, Numerica, Robo Miners, Robotics, LearnoBots, Numaish Karachi, Dr. Faisal, Maleeha and Usman Group.