1. ISSUE-BASED AND ORGANISATION CONSULTATIONS

The culmination of the Diagnostic Stage of the policy review process marked the end of extensive nationwide consultations. The Prescriptive Stage involved in-depth consultations on selected issues with experts and specialist organizations. Ministry of Education extends its gratitude to all external assistance in this process provided by the development partners, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries and other indirect stakeholders. Highlights of issue based consultations, held between May and August 2006 follows:

1.1 Roundtable on Vision, Purpose and Objectives of Education 15-May-06
The National Education Policy Review Team held an intensive round of discussion with a diverse group including curriculum specialists, academics and industrialists on “Vision, Objectives and Purpose of Education” at Ministry of Education, Islamabad. After an introduction by Mr. Javed Hasan Aly, Team Leader, NEPR, the Process Coordinator Ms. Sabina Qureshi underlined the objectives of past Education Policies from 1947 to the present and briefly articulated what the founders of Pakistan had perceived as the goals and vision of education in the new State at the time of Independence. A brainstorming session followed, in which all participants shared their view on what should be included in a State vision for education in Pakistan.

1.2 Round Table Discussions on Literacy and Non Formal Education 25-May-06
The roundtable was held at the Holiday Inn, Islamabad. About 30 participants, including experts in literacy and non-formal education from all over Pakistan were invited to discuss the importance of literacy and non-formal education programmes, issues related to implementation and strategies for addressing these issues at the policy level. After a welcome address by Mr. Hasan Abdi Keynan, Programme Specialist (Education) UNESCO, the NEPR team presented a summary of the review process. Following this, Mr. Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, former JEA Ministry of Education shared his views. A brainstorming session followed. Subsequently four working groups were formed to discuss a) Resource mobilization and institutionalization of literacy programmes for achievement of EFA Goals b) Literacy curriculum and assessment mechanisms c) Capacity building of literacy personnel (training of teachers, trainers, supervisors etc.) d) Mass mobilization for literacy through political support and community participation in literacy programmes. The Working Groups presented a set of policy recommendations for review of the National Education Policy Review Team

1.3 Round Table Discussions on Early Childhood Education 10-June-2006
The roundtable was held at the Margalla Hotel, Islamabad. Representatives from government, civil society and donor agencies were invited to pool their thoughts on how the new Education Policy should deal with ECE. A total of 29 people were present. The representatives of UNESCO and the Projects Wing, Ministry of Education, Mr. Arshad Saeed and Dr. Muhammad Saleem respectively, made informative presentations on ECE and its policy implications. The brainstorming session was moderated by the NEPR team leader, Mr. Javed Hasan Aly. Four Working Groups were formed to discuss a) Institutionalization, improvement and expansion of access to ECE in the public sector b) Advocacy and community awareness for ECE c) Capacity building for ECE (curriculum, learning materials, training of teachers) d) Public private partnership for ECE and coordination. The Working Groups presented a set of policy recommendations for review of the National Education Policy Review Team

1.4 Round Table Discussions on Gender and Education 12-June-06
The roundtable was held at the Holiday Inn, Islamabad, with 19 participants. Experts and practitioners with diverse backgrounds gathered to deliberate on how the upcoming Education Policy could tackle the issue of gender. Mr. T. M. Qureshi, Deputy Educational Advisor and Focal Person for the NEPR team, Ministry of Education made an informative presentation on the representation of gender in policy and planning. Dr. Munawar Mirza, Department of Women’s Studies, University of Punjab underlined the issues related to gender equity and equality in education. The brainstorming session, moderated by the NEPR team leader, threw up a host of interesting points and suggestions. Subsequently two working groups were formed: a) Capacity Building of Planners and Implementers, and b) Strategies and Mechanisms to reduce Gender Disparities and achieve Gender Equality. The Working Groups presented a set of policy recommendations for review of the National Education Policy Review Team

1.5 Round Table Discussions on Teacher Education and Accreditation 21-June-06
The roundtable was held at the Holiday Inn, Islamabad. A total of 35 people participated. Apart from UNESCO and the NEPR team, a number of experts, academics and practitioners came together to discuss policy issues related to teacher education and accreditation. In his opening remarks, Mr. Hasan Abdi Keynan from UNESCO highlighted issues in teacher education that UNESCO confronted in its 59 years of work, and cited examples of initiatives that succeeded in other cultural contexts. A brainstorming session was held followed by Working Group session. Four working groups were formed to debate policy recommendations and strategies for: a) Major objectives of teacher education, b) Preparation of teachers for inside and outside the classroom and school, c) Redefining the process of in-service teacher development, and d) Optimal utilization of Faculty of Teachers Education Institutions for in-service training during summer/winter vacations. The Working Groups presented a set of policy recommendations for review of the National Education Policy Review Team

1.6 Consultation with Sustainable Policy Development Institute and Pakistan Coalition for Education 7-June-06
A roundtable was held with the Sustainable Policy Development Institute and Pakistan Coalition for Education at the Academy for Education Planning and Management, Islamabad. Dr. A.H. Nayyar, presented a summary of an independent review of the National Education Policy undertaken by SDPI and the Pakistan Coalition for Education. Issues across the entire spectrum of education were discussed, including access, equity, quality, teaching, financing and the involvement of the private sector. A 100-page document was shared with the NEPR team with the full review.

1.7 Roundtable On Regulation of Madrassa Education 22- June 2006
The roundtable was organised by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency with the support of the British High Commission at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. The NEPR team was represented among the participants. Madrassa regulation in the UK and Pakistan were compared. Discussion also covered how to improve Madrassa curriculum and build cross-cultural understanding of the institution and Islam in general.

1.8 Consultation on Technical Education and Vocational Training with JICA 6-July-06
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a half-day consultation at its Islamabad office to contribute to the NEPR process on the subject of Technical Education and Vocational Training. A total of 16 participants including representatives from JICA and Ministry of Education attended the session. The session included highlights of TEVT in Pakistan, an informative review of strategies for introducing technical subjects at middle and secondary levels in schools by Mr. Irshad Hussain Tirmazi, Consultant - JICA. The latter study provoked much lively debate and discussion. The function was wrapped up with a paper by Mr. S. Hirashima from JICA on TEVT in Japan, with a view to applying the Japanese experience in the Pakistani context.

1.9 Roundtable on Technical and Vocational Education and Market Linkages Technical and Vocational Education 15-July-06
The consultation, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and National Vocational and Technical Education Commission, was held at the Academy for Education Planning and Management. 31 participants from different organizations, departments and industry were in attendance. Mr. Khushnud Lashari, Executive Director of NAVTEC, in his opening remarks explained the broad context for Technical Education and Vocational Training in Pakistan, highlighted the issues and factors leading to transition from a closely protected, public sector economy in Pakistan to a globally integrated, private sector led economy. The representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Shahida Saleem, Sindh Board of Technical Education- Professor Dr. Masroor Shaikh and TUSDEC, Syed Rehan Ali made very informative presentations. The brainstorming session between the industry and the government was very useful. Need for joint collaboration between the two was also underscored.

1.10 Roundtable on Higher Education 26-August-06
A roundtable on higher education was organized by the Higher Education Commission for the National Education Policy Review Team. Dr. Mukhtar and Dr. Sohail Naqvi shared the reform initiatives, strategies and future goals of the Commission. Discussion and debate on various issues concerning priorities and governance of higher education followed. The Team Leader, NEPR assured the HEC that policy review process will take into consideration the on-going reforms in the higher education sector and that policy recommendations formulated by the National Education Policy Review Team would be shared with the HEC before incorporation in the Policy Paper.

1.11 Consultations held with Key Organizations:
Consultations were held with following:
a) National Reconstruction Bureau
b) Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
c) IED, Aga Khan University, Karachi
d) Public Service Commissions
In progress:
e) Planning Commission
f) Ministry of Finance
g) Economic Affairs Division