Reshaping the Education Landscape in Balochistan
With support from the European Union and UNICEF, Improved Teaching Methods are Enhancing Children's Learning
“The new techniques and methodologies for teaching and learning represent a complete shift from the age-old method of lecturing and rote learning,” says Shanze Lodhi, a middle-level teacher at the Government Girls High School (GGHS) in Pishin District, Balochistan.
“Our struggle, however, is two-fold. Firstly, we must unlearn the conventional ways we were taught and have been teaching our students. Secondly, we face resistance to change from the very teachers we are training,” she explains.
“The incentive, though, is the overwhelming response from our students, who are excited to learn rather than memorise.”
Shanze is one of many teachers trained under the European Union (EU)-funded Balochistan Education Support-II (ES II) Programme (2021-2025) BES II, in collaboration with UNICEF. The continuous professional development programme aims to improve teaching practices at classroom level and to strengthen critical skills in supervision, mentoring, pedagogy, and assessment.
Through the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Pedagogy, Content and Assessment Skills for Middle School Teachers, Shanze found the opportunity she had long awaited—to learn innovative teaching techniques that would better engage her students and motivate them to learn.
BES-II is a comprehensive programme aimed at modernising the entire education system in Balochistan. It was launched following the successful Balochistan Basic Education Programme (BBEP, 2016–2020) and builds upon its achievements.
Now implemented in 20 districts across Balochistan, BES-II supports school enrolment drives, expands school development plans, strengthens parent-teacher interactions, and ensures regular monitoring of the Balochistan Education Sector Plan, among other initiatives.
“The training emphasised student engagement by encouraging participation and connecting new concepts to prior learning experiences,” says Shanze.
“Learning is assessed through knowledge-recall questions and tasks that help teachers gauge students’ understanding. Students' critical and creative thinking, as well as problem-solving skills, are developed using strategies like reasoning-based questions and student-led discussions,” she adds.
The EU-funded BES-II programme has made remarkable strides in enhancing the education sector in Balochistan.
A cadre of master trainers was created by this programme, who currently train over 3,000 middle school teachers - nearly half of them women - across the province.
By equipping teachers with essential skills, tools, and support, the BES-II programme is transforming the teaching profession. Motivated and well-trained teachers are creating dynamic classroom environments that promote student engagement and learning.
Shanze’s journey to where she stands today as a teacher, mentor, and an inspiration for her students, hasn’t been easy. It has taken a lot of grit and resolve to reach this point.
Overcoming financial and societal challenges, she worked hard to win scholarships for her education and completed an MPhil in Chemistry.
The vital support she received, came from her family which is deeply rooted in the education sector. Both her parents have been teachers at school and university level which made learning and imparting knowledge a natural path for her. Other girls in Balochistan are not so fortunate, with 64 percent between 5 to 16 years of age, not attending school, the highest in the country.
Balochistan remains a conservative society. Though attitudes are gradually shifting, education opportunities for girls in rural areas and small towns remain limited.
Middle and high school girls must observe strict modesty while commuting. They cover their faces when outsiders visit, and being photographed is often not permitted.
“Girls in Balochistan are talented and eager to learn. They’re fascinated by what women around the world are achieving and are ambitious to follow their dreams. However, restrictions on mobility, limited access to higher education, and social pressures—such as getting married before completing their education - still challenge their progress,” says Shanze.
“Since I have managed to achieve what I wanted to, my students see me as an inspiration to pursue their own goals,” she adds with pride.
Although Shanze teaches Science, Maths, and English to secondary classes, her approachable nature and ability to connect with students of all ages have made her a beloved figure in the school. She often visits different classrooms to chat with students about their interests and aspirations.
” We are not afraid to ask questions because our teachers says that no question is a wrong question. She introduces a topic, and we get into a discussion. This way, we think more and memorise less. Once the concept is clear, it all becomes easy,” says Rahmaniya (16), a 10th grader who is an ardent student of biology, aims to become a surgeon, and is a fan of Shanze’s style of teaching.
“Teaching is my passion, and I consider myself fortunate to have it as my profession, By instilling good values and healthy learning habits in these children, we teachers can positively influence generations to come,” Shanze concludes.
