IGNITING MINDS IN THE COLD - A TALE OF RESILIENCE AND LEARNING IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN
Darvesh Karim,
AKU-IED/PDCN Gilgit
In the heart of the
majestic mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, where winter’s icy grip often brings
life to a standstill, a remarkable story of resilience, collaboration, and hope
unfolded during the winter of 2025. This is the story of how the Aga Khan University
(AKU), in partnership with the Directorate of Schools, Gilgit-Baltistan,
ignited the minds of thousands of students and educators through Special Winter
Learning Camps and Professional Development Initiatives.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region known for its breathtaking
landscapes, is also home to some of the harshest winters in the world.
Temperatures often plummet below freezing, making it difficult for students to
continue their education during the winter break. For many, especially those
preparing for board examinations, this meant falling behind in their
studies. But this winter was different!
Recognizing the need
to keep students engaged and prepared, the Director General of Schools issued a
groundbreaking directive. Winter Learning Camps would be organized across all
ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. These camps would not only provide academic
support but also create a warm and nurturing environment for students to
thrive.
The Aga Khan University, with its team of 1,150 dedicated
Education Fellows (EFs), stepped up to lead this initiative. Their mission was
clear: to ensure that no student’s education was interrupted by the cold.
From Hunza to Ghanche, and from Diamer to Ghizer the winter
camps became a beacon of hope. Over 11,527 students from grades 1 to 10
participated, with a special focus on classes 9th and 10th,
who were preparing for their board examinations.
The camps were not just about academics; they were about
building confidence, fostering collaboration, and creating a sense of
community. 779 Education Fellows worked tirelessly, braving the cold to deliver
lessons, mentor students, and ensure that every child felt supported.
To combat the freezing temperatures, the Education
Department provided firewood to keep classrooms warm. The crackling fires not
only heated the rooms but also symbolized the warmth of knowledge being
shared.
For the Education Fellows, this was more than just a
teaching assignment; it was an opportunity to innovate and grow. Those who
couldn’t participate in the camps were given structured professional
development tasks, including:
§
Lesson Planning:
Using the BOPPPS model to create engaging and effective lesson plans.
§
Resource Generation:
Crafting no-cost or low-cost teaching tools like flashcards, charts, and manipulations
from locally available materials.
§
Professional Portfolios:
Documenting their teaching journey, achievements, and reflections.
§
Reading and Writing:
Engaging with educational literature and contributing to the broader discourse
on teaching and learning.
These tasks not only enhanced their skills but also inspired
a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
The Impact - A Ripple Effect of Success
The results of the winter camps were nothing short of
transformative:
§
Academic Preparedness:
Students reported significant improvements in their understanding of core
subjects, especially science.
§
Confidence Building:
The camps instilled a sense of self-assurance in students, empowering them to
tackle their exams with confidence.
§
Professional Growth:
Education Fellows refined their teaching skills, developed innovative
resources, and documented their professional journeys.
§
Community Engagement:
Parents and local stakeholders rallied behind the initiative, creating a strong
sense of community and collaboration.
This initiative would not have been possible without the
unwavering support of key stakeholders:
§
The Secretary, Education
for the visionary leadership.
§
The Director General of
Schools for seamless coordination and execution.
§
The Deputy Directors’ of Education
and DDOs for their grassroots support.
§
The Education Fellows,
School Heads, and Professional Development Teachers for their dedication and
hard work.
§
The students and parents
for their trust and enthusiasm.
As the winter camps concluded, the lessons learned, and the
successes achieved laid the foundation for future initiatives. Recommendations
for the future include:
§
Expanding the camps to
include more students and subjects.
§
Introducing continuous
professional development for Education Fellows and regular teachers.
§
Creating a digital platform
for resource sharing and collaboration.
§
Strengthening partnerships
with government and local communities.
The winter camps of 2025 were more than just an educational
initiative; they were a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation,
and resilience. They proved that even in the harshest conditions, the flame of
knowledge can burn brightly, lighting the way for a brighter future.
As the students of Gilgit-Baltistan return to their studies,
they carry with them not just the lessons learned but also the hope and
confidence that they can overcome any challenge. And as the Education Fellows
continue their journey, they do so with the knowledge that they have made a
lasting impact on the lives of countless students.
This is the story of how, in the cold mountains of
Gilgit-Baltistan, the warmth of education ignited minds and transformed
lives.
**~ The End ~**
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