“Alongside formal education, equipping our youth with practical skills is the need of the hour. Making young people skillful will secure our future,” declared Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jafar Khan Mandokhail while inaugurating the newly established Skills Education Center (Electrician and Solar) at Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School (GBMODHS) Zhob.
The Governor was warmly welcomed by Deputy Commissioner Zhob, Mr. Mehboob Ahmed Achakzai; UNICEF Project Program Manager, Mr. Naqeebullah; PSP Mr. Shoukat Ali; Divisional Director Education (Schools) Zhob Division, Mr. Gul Rehman Mandokhail; District Education Officer, Mr. Attaullah Kakar; Head Teacher Sheikh Musa Khan; community elders, teachers, and students.
During his visit, Governor Mandokhail interacted with students in classrooms, encouraging them to pursue their studies with dedication. He later visited the Skills Education Center where Mr. Naqeebullah briefed him on UNICEF supported interventions in District Zhob, including the School Development Plan (SDP), Remedial Learning Center Programs (RLCPs), Accelerated Learning Program Centers (ALPs), and the establishment of four Skills Education Centers across the district two at GBMODHS Zhob (Solar & Electrician and Olive Oil Marketing & Value Addition) and two at GGHSS Nasirabad (Healthcare Skills and Baking & Patisserie).
After inaugurating the center, the Governor interacted with skills trainees and instructors. He commended the facilities, noting that trades such as solar technology and electrician work would not only help tackle electricity shortages but also prepare students for the global renewable energy market.The Governor also distributed school bags to students under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Fund and visited the EU-funded Training Resource Center, where training for Remedial Learning Tutors was underway.
He praised the initiative, acknowledging the importance of building teacher capacity to improve educational quality.A formal ceremony followed in the school hall, beginning with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a welcome speech by the Head Teacher, who highlighted both challenges and achievements of the school. Addressing the gathering, Governor Mandokhail emphasized that the Skills Education Component is central to empowering youth and enhancing employability.
He lauded the collaboration between the Directorate of Education (Schools), UNICEF, and the European Union in introducing skills-based programs across Balochistan.He further noted that this initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to integrating vocational and technical training into formal education, in line with the Balochistan Education Sector Plan (BESP) 2020–2025, which envisions “improved employability and participation of youth through market-oriented, quality, and increased technical and vocational education opportunities.”Currently, 33 schools across 15 districts are running skills education programs, enrolling more than 3,000 students from Grades 7 to 9.
According to the Governor, this transformation is enabling young learners to complement classroom knowledge with practical expertise, preparing them for both employment and entrepreneurship.In his concluding remarks, Governor Mandokhail highlighted the international relevance of such programs:Our trained youth can secure sustainable employment opportunities not only within Pakistan but also in Middle Eastern countries, where skilled labor is in high demand.
I will personally recommend expanding skills education to all public schools in Balochistan and urge the federal government to prioritize this model nationwide.He stressed that preparing the youth with employable skills would pave the way for a stronger, healthier, and more self-reliant future for Balochistan and Pakistan.
