Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday launched the second phase of the English as a Subject for Teachers & Educators (EaSTE-II) programme in collaboration with the British Council, aimed at enhancing the skills of thousands of teachers across the province.
At the ceremony held at CM House, Shah called the initiative a milestone for education in Sindh, noting that it will train 30,000 new primary and early childhood teachers, along with 1,000 mentors and 35 course leaders, building on the success of the first phase.
He said EaSTE-II will provide teachers with the professional confidence and skills they need at the start of their careers, ensuring a sustainable model of continuous learning.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and in Sindh, we are committed to empowering those who shape our future, our teachers,” he remarked.
The programme is linked with Sindh’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Model 2022 and the Early Childhood Care & Education and Foundational Learning Policy 2024, making it part of wider education reforms.
Highlighting the importance of English, Shah said the language connects learners with technology, research, and global opportunities while also respecting Sindhi and Urdu.
The programme gives priority to women, minority groups, and teachers with disabilities, with an expected reach of nearly two million children in government schools.
He praised EaSTE-II’s modern training approach, which combines digital modules, hybrid classes, online learning, and peer networks.
He also pointed out that UNESCO recently honoured Sindh’s teachers as “creative teachers” for integrating artificial intelligence with traditional methods, calling it the model needed for teacher development today.
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah added that strong language skills enhance learning across all subjects.
“Language is not just a subject, it is the bridge to knowledge, thinking, and expression,” he said, describing EaSTE-II as more than an English programme but a key to unlocking learning in classrooms.
British Council Country Director James Hampson said EaSTE is an online CPD programme designed to improve teachers’ English skills.
The event was also attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Domm, British Council Regional Director Sarah Rogerson, and education experts.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister thanked the British Council and the UK government for their support, stressing that “this initiative is not just an investment in teachers but in the future of Sindh.”