- Advertisement -
MULTAN, May 31 (APP):Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat on Saturday inaugurated the “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Camps 2025” in the city, describing the initiative as a decisive step in shaping the future of Punjab’s children.
Addressing educationists at the launch event, the minister emphasized that building a strong educational foundation for children is vital for long-term academic progress. “We have studied global models, and kids’ foundational learning must be prioritized because they are the future,” he said.
Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that over 6,000 FLN camps were being organized in government schools across 12 districts of Punjab during the summer break. These eight-week camps aim to help children aged 5 to 9 enhance their basic reading and math skills through the internationally recognized “Teaching at the Right Level” method.
The minister highlighted that 2.5 million children were enrolled this year despite challenges. “We achieved our enrollment targets and are moving forward with resolve,” he said. “Education is both a religious and constitutional responsibility.
Everyone in this room has gained opportunities through education, so channel your energy into helping others get the same.”
He stated that the Punjab government is providing the highest-ever budget for education, raising school education funding from Rs 32 billion to Rs150 billion and higher education from Rs 17 billion to Rs 90 billion. “Merit has prevailed in administrative appointments, and we are committed to improving the system through transparent policies,” he added.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also mentioned teacher performance and accountability, noting plans to assess every teacher and school through performance mapping and school-based assessments. “We will induct certified teachers and provide international training opportunities. Every hardworking teacher is doing a kind of national service,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of alumni, saying that Rs15 million were raised through their efforts to uplift schools. “We are introducing technical matriculation, extracurricular activities, and Schools of Eminence at the tehsil level to match the quality of top private institutions,” he added.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Secretary Schools Khalid Nazir Wattoo, Commissioner Multan Division Amir Kareem Khan, DC Waseem Hamid Sindhu, CM’s Task Force Chairman Muzammil Mehmood, MPA Barrister Usama Afzal, Special Secretary South Punjab Ubaidullah, Project Director Imtiaz Shahid Gondal, and UNICEF Education Manager Kamran Iftikhar.
The minister also revealed that 20 outstanding students will soon be sent to Turkey, and new programs for teacher capacity-building and regularization are being introduced. “We are laying the foundation of a better future, and every teacher is accountable for delivering quality education,” he said.
The event concluded with the presentation of “Hero Awards” to teachers who demonstrated exceptional dedication, underlining the government’s focus on merit, service, and performance in education.