Saba Javed

The Pakistani government is planning to invest more in the education sector to promote economic and social mobility. According to data of the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, the Pakistani government has initiated a five-year effort with a financing of $19 million to enhance higher education in Pakistan and boost university graduates' employability. The USAID/Pakistan-funded Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA) Project aims to give the impoverished class access to education.

The demands of businesses, industries, and other sectors supporting Pakistan's overall economic growth would be addressed by the HESSA project. With the objective of enhancing the employability potential of graduating students, the HESSA project is offering technical assistance to 16 Pakistani universities (including five women's universities) dispersed across all provinces in order to improve their institutional and technical capacities in delivering market-relevant education and research.

An official of the Planning and Development Ministry said investing in education is a long-term strategy that will ultimately boost the local economy and the general well-being. He said universities will offer students research opportunities, training in soft skills, and support services including career counselling through this programme.“Higher education is essential for economic growth and contributes to the development of the knowledge economy.

High levels of education are assumed to help in increased productivity and growth, and hence help individuals to participate in economic growth,” he said. “University graduates are more understanding, better citizens, and more active members of society. Additionally, when designed appropriately, higher education can be a catalyst for social and economic mobility. Over the course of their working lives, graduates often make more money than similarly employed non-graduates,” the official pointed out.

“Students at universities significantly advance society by providing the human resources needed to foster innovation and boost economic competitiveness. In a modern economy, the majority of innovators are typically highly educated,” he said.The official said universities are significant economic sectors which offer technology advancements, a better and broader understanding of social and economic problems, as well as skills and experience, all of which directly benefit the economy.

“Increased knowledge acquisition, improved social infrastructure that supports society's and the economy's functioning, a contribution to the stimulation of policy debate, and improved international relations are all advantages of investing in universities. These benefits are made possible by the provision of higher education to international students through official student and staff exchange programmes,” he said.

He said the HESSA project will strengthen Pakistani universities and provide students with the instruction and research opportunities they need to be more marketable upon graduation.“Talented young people will be equipped with necessary abilities to acquire employment and begin their careers as a result. Additionally, it will support industry demands, boost hiring and productivity, and encourage further economic expansion,” he said.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk