GWADAR: In a landmark step for education under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the first group of students from the Pak-China Technical & Vocational Institute (PCT&VI) in Gwadar has departed for China to continue their studies.
The students will complete the final 1.5 years of their three-year Associate Diploma Program at the Shandong Institute of Commerce & Technology (SICT). This program is designed to provide the youth of Gwadar with world-class technical skills, enhancing their career prospects.
This student exchange is the direct result of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Gwadar, the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd. (COPHCL), and SICT. It marks a new chapter in practical, skill-based collaboration under CPEC.
Highlighting the commitment to Gwadar’s development, all student expenses—including tuition, accommodation, and travel—are being fully sponsored by SICT, COPHCL, and GPA.
The initiative’s success is credited to the concerted efforts of key officials from the University of Gwadar, Gwadar Port Authority, COPHCL, and SICT, who provided the vision, leadership, and coordination needed to achieve this milestone.
Also read: 41 non-functional schools reopen in Gwadar
In related development a major step toward revitalising education, 41 previously closed schools in Gwadar have been reopened, enrolling 1,157 students under Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti’s initiative to restore non-functional schools across Balochistan.
Before the campaign began, 63 schools in the district were listed as non-functional. Of these, 41 have now resumed operations, while the chief minister has vowed to make the remaining 22 fully functional within the next year.
According to Gwadar Pro, 19 of the reopened schools have been staffed through the SBK Teachers (Phase I) recruitment program, two hired teachers on contract, and three were assigned educators under Phase III. The Pakistan Army contributed to reopening three schools, while 17 others were revived through efforts led by the district’s deputy commissioner.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Balochistan government has so far successfully reactivated 3,144 schools that were previously closed.
The initiative, led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and spearheaded by Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hamid Khan Durrani, has brought functional education back to more than 81,000 children. This effort has revived 81% of the 3,862 schools that were once non-functional.
“The future of our province is linked with education, and we are ensuring that no child is left behind,” stated Minister Durrani, highlighting the government’s commitment.
