AJK launches coding-tech courses in schools

KARACHI:Azad Jammu and Kashmir is ready to become the next Silicon Valley in South Asia, said Barrister Iftikhar Gillani, Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, AJK, at the launch of government’s partnership with Coded Minds to introduce 21st century learning in public schools in the region, according to a statement released on Sunday.

“We are proud of the fact that the AJK government is the pioneer in Pakistan to formally launch Coding and Technology courses in the state’s public schools,” Gillani added. He was speaking to the media after a signing ceremony where the AJK Ministry Elementary and Secondary Education has partnered with Coded Minds Pakistan to teach Coding and App Development to primary and secondary students across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar Farooqui, Founder and Executive Chairman – Coded Minds, thanked the AJK government for joining hands with Coded Minds in the mission and realizing the importance of implementing a 21st century education model at the beginners level.

“AJK has been proud of having the highest literacy rate in the country. Our dream is to convert this heavenly valley into a Valley of Learning. The region has all the right ingredients to be the leader of 21st century skills. We are here to make this dream a reality,” said Farooqui, who is an internationally acclaimed Edupreneur.

Gillani said that the partnership would enable around 550,000 students in government schools in the state to acquire the knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world. “The AJK government is committed to provide value based quality education to the younger generation and meanwhile Coded Minds has lended it a helping hand.

Quality education was indeed an engine for collective socio-economic development.” Farooqui, a Saudi national whose ancestors are from Muzaffarabad, also lauded the vision and leadership of AJK President, Sardar Masood Khan for empowering the young generation of the state with modern education and employment.

“We are so inspired by the vision of AJK President Sardar Masood Khan. The state is blessed to have a leadership like him,” he added. Based out of the United Arab Emirates, Coded Minds is a global iSTEAM and leadership education-technology company operating in 14 countries of the world.

After launching in Pakistan, it has initiated a campaign to provide quality learning opportunities to everyone, including the 24 million out-of-school children in the country, at a disruptive price point.