British Council to Train 30,000 Teachers in Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday inaugurated the second phase of the English as a Subject for Teachers & Educators (EaSTE-II) programme in partnership with the British Council, aiming to boost the teaching capacity of thousands of educators across the province.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at CM House, Shah described the initiative as a milestone for education in Sindh. He said the programme will train 30,000 new primary and early childhood teachers, alongside 1,000 mentors and 35 course leaders, expanding on the progress made under the first phase of EaSTE.

The CM emphasized that EaSTE-II will equip teachers with professional skills and confidence at the start of their careers, creating a sustainable model of continuous learning. “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and in Sindh we are committed to empowering those who shape our future — our teachers,” he said.

The initiative is fully aligned with Sindh’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Model 2022 and the Early Childhood Care & Education and Foundational Learning Policy 2024, embedding teacher training into the province’s wider reform agenda.

Highlighting the role of English, Shah said proficiency in the language opens doors to technology, research, and global opportunities while still valuing local languages such as Sindhi and Urdu. He noted that the programme prioritises female teachers, minority groups, and educators with disabilities, and is expected to directly benefit nearly two million children in public schools.

He praised the EaSTE-II training approach, which uses digital self-learning modules, hybrid classes, online sessions, and peer learning networks. Shah also pointed out that Unesco recently recognised Sindh’s teachers as “creative teachers” for blending artificial intelligence with traditional methods, calling it the model of teacher development needed in the 21st century.

Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah added that strong language skills improve learning across all subjects. “Language is not just a subject, it is the bridge to knowledge, thinking, and expression,” he said, calling EaSTE-II more than an English project but a step towards unlocking learning in every classroom.

British Council Country Director James Hampson said EaSTE is an online CPD programme designed to strengthen teachers’ English language skills. The event was also attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Lance Domm, British Council Regional Director Sarah Rogerson, and several education experts.

Concluding the ceremony, the CM thanked the British Council and the UK government for their support, reiterating that “this initiative is not just an investment in teachers but in the future of Sindh.”