By Rafiullah Mandokhel
Zhob : Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhel has stressed the crucial role of technical and vocational education in creating employment opportunities for youth, noting the rising global demand for skilled professionals.
He made these remarks while inaugurating a newly established ‘Skills Education Center’, specializing in electrician training and solar technology, during his visit to the Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School here in Zhob.
“In today’s modern era, equipping youth with employable skills is not merely desirable but an urgent necessity,” the Governor said, adding “An empowered and skilled generation will lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous and self-reliant future for the province and the country at large.”
The Governor called for the integration of vocational programs across government schools in Balochistan and urged the federal government to prioritize skills development at national level.
Upon arrival, he was received by Deputy Commissioner Mehboob Achakzai, SP Shoukat Ali Momand, UNICEF Program Manager Naqeebullah, PSP Shoukat Ali, Divisional Director of Education Gul Rehman Mandokhel, District Education Officer Attaullah Kakar, DOE Wazir Khan Nasar, ESP Coordinator Razziq Jan Kakar, school principal Sheikh Musa Khan Mandokhel, senior teachers, and students. He was welcomed with a bouquet of flowers.
Briefing the Governor, UNICEF’s Naqeebullah outlined ongoing initiatives, including the School Development Plan (SDP), Remedial Learning Center Programs (RLCPs), Accelerated Learning Program Centers (ALPs), and the establishment of four Skills Education Centers in the district, Solar & Electrician, and Olive Oil Marketing and Value Addition at the boys’ school and Healthcare Skills, and Baking and Patisserie at girls’ school.
Inspecting the arrangements and facilities, the governor also met trainees and instructors and lauded the practical training being imparted. He highlighted the importance of electrician training and solar technology, pointing out that such trades not only create employment but also promote renewable energy solutions.
He remarked that these interventions reflect the provincial government’s commitment to embedding vocational and technical education into the formal school system, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision and the Balochistan Education Sector Plan (BESP) 2020–2025, which seeks to expand quality, market-driven vocational training to enhance youth employability.
He also inspected the EU-funded Training Resource Center, where remedial tutors were receiving professional development, and commended the initiative, stressing that teacher training as essential to raising educational standards.
During the visit, he interacted with students, encouraging them to pursue education with dedication. Under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Fund, the Governor also distributed school bags among students.
The Governor praised the collaborative efforts of the Directorate of Education, UNICEF, and the EU in promoting technical education across the province.
It is worth mentioning that, 33 schools across 15 districts are offering skills-based programs, where over 3,000 students from Grades 7 to 9 are enrolled. The Skills Education Component is steadily transforming classroom instruction into hands-on expertise, enabling young learners to secure sustainable livelihoods and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.