UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, celebrated International Day of Education 2025 with the launch of smart classrooms in 40 girls’ primary schools across Bagh, Muzaffarabad, and Neelam Valley. Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” this initiative is part of UNESCO’s Girls Right to Education Programme, supported by the Government of Pakistan through the Malala Funds-in-Trust agreement.
The project aims to boost girls’ enrollment, retention, and educational quality in marginalized regions. Benefiting 3,000 young girls, these smart classrooms introduce modern technology and interactive learning resources to foster creativity, innovation, and personal growth. Additionally, the Ministry rehabilitated school buildings, provided essential school supplies, and enhanced the learning environment with vibrant wall paintings to complement UNESCO’s efforts.
At the inauguration ceremony held at Girls Government Primary School in Upper Chattar, Muzaffarabad, Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training, formally launched the smart classrooms. The event was attended by senior officials, including Mr. Zaheer Uddin Qureshi, Senior Member of the Board of Revenue; Brig. Tariq Sohail, Sector Commander; and Mr. Zafar Hayat Malik, Head of Education at UNESCO. Education officers, school management representatives, teachers, and students also participated in the occasion, demonstrating their commitment to advancing girls’ education.
As part of the initiative, UNESCO will train 100 teachers from the targeted districts through a specialized professional development program. This training will focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competencies, digital literacy, and the integration of technology into pedagogy. By equipping educators with digital skills, the program aims to maximize the impact of smart classrooms and ensure long-term educational advancements.
Teachers and students alike expressed their excitement about embracing digital learning. Educators welcomed the opportunity to integrate modern tools into their teaching, while students eagerly anticipated exploring new digital resources to expand their knowledge and skills. The atmosphere was filled with optimism, as young girls looked forward to the transformative impact of technology on their educational journey.
