Muzaffarabad, – UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, marked the International Day of Education 2025 with the theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” by launching smart classrooms in 40 girls’ primary schools across the districts of Bagh, Muzaffarabad, and Neelam Valley. This initiative is part of the UNESCO’s Girls Right to Education Programme funded by the Government of Pakistan under the Malala Funds-in-Trust agreement to enhance girls’ enrolment, retention and quality of education in most marginalized areas of the country. Benefiting 3,000 young girls, the smart classrooms will transform educational experiences by providing access to modern technology and interactive learning resources, fostering creativity, innovation, and personal growth of girls. To complement UNESCO’s efforts, the Ministry undertook the rehabilitation of the school building, providing essential school items and enhancing the learning environment with vibrant wall paintings.
At a ceremonial gathering held at the Girls Government Primary School in Upper Chattar, Muzaffarabad, Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training, officially inaugurated the smart classrooms. The event witnessed the participation of 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. In addition, education officials such as District Education Officers, Assistant District Education Officers, teachers, head teachers, students, and members of the School Management Committee (SMC) were in attendance, marking the occasion with their support and commitment to advancing girls’ education.
Alongside the establishment of smart classrooms, UNESCO will train 100 teachers from the targeted districts through customized professional development programme focused on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competencies, digital literacy, and the integration of ICT into pedagogy. By equipping educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching practices, the initiative aims to enhance the impact of these modern learning environments and foster long-term educational progress.
Both teachers and students expressed their excitement about embracing digital technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Teachers shared their enthusiasm for integrating modern tools into their lessons. The young girls voiced their eagerness to explore new digital resources, seeing them as opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. The atmosphere was filled with optimism as the young girls looked forward to the transformative impact of technology in their educational journey.