Islamabad, April 12: Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said that the government welcomes academic support, being extended by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in launching TeleSchool channel, in wake of COVID-19 outbreak. 

The AIOU will be a Knowledge platform providing education to the students, who are currently stuck-up at their homes, he said during a meeting that was attended by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum and other officials.   

The TV channel ‘TeleSchool’ to work as an alternative to educational content delivery mechanism during closure of educational institutions during the epidemic. . The Minister said, since the AIOU have a academic, technical and professional expertise it could be a useful partner of this program. He hoped the AIOU's contribution in contents' delivery will be useful in managing the channel, when schools and colleges are closed as precaution against COVID-19. The University will assist in production and editing of the contents, to be delivered through PTV. 

As was decided earlier the PTV would provide eight-hour airtime to promote education through the channel. The dedicated channel would work for promotion of education for next three months.  

During the morning session, juniors will be given classes followed by seniors. The channel would likely start telecasting the content within next few days. 

The Vice Chancellor, while assuring his support in making the program successful expressed his confidence that it will meet the students’ requirements during the lock-down period. 

He assured that the University’s resources including its TV studios and academic contents will be available to present the program. He thanked the Minister for his acknowledgment and support in carrying out digital transformation and his other initiatives for the University’s overall development.    

It may be mentioned here that Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Ms. Wajiha Akram, Federal Education Secretary Dr. Sajid Yoosufani and Technical Adviser Ms. Umbreen Arif of the Ministry recently visited the AIOU and discussed the plan of launching TeleSchool channel. 

Meanwhile, during the meeting, the Minister also asked the AIOU to develop Accelerated Learning Program–contents for Grade 1 to 8. The quality contents could be delivered with the support of NCHD or such other organizations. 

They are planning to establish a Distance Learning Wing in the Ministry of Education, especially for the Online learning and in this connection, he added  the AIOU could be a supporting partner.  

During the meeting, Minister showed keen interest in AIOU programs for Madrasa students Darse-e-Nizami Matric, Darse-e- Nizami FA and Darse-e-Nizami BA-Level programs.  

On the occasion, Dr. Zahid Majeed, Director, International Collaboration Office gave a presentation on the AIOU’s capacity and potential to assist the Ministry in developing Accelerated Learning Program (ALP).