A zeal for better education

"When I first learned that I had been selected as a member of the ‘Training of Trainers’ group, I was overwhelmed. Part of me asked: “Why me? Am I truly prepared to face a forum that would require me to give presentations and take on the role of a full-fledged trainer? Although my fears were somewhat allayed by the training itself, I did not realise what a profound effect it would have on me when I joined the AKU-EB team in Quetta to assist with the training of the second cohort of public sector officials in student assessment. We were kept engaged since Day One, and it was by observing the conduct of the AKU-EB team that I realised the biggest shortcomings in the presentations I had observed being given in the past was due to a lack of planning and preparation. Previously, I had thought that the hardest part of giving a training was in the execution of the presentation itself; now I realise that it all comes down to how well one prepares beforehand.

There is a sense of genuine camaraderie and friendship among all of us who participated in the ‘Training of Trainers’ -- we all represent different institutions among Balochistan’s educational landscape, but the spirit of cooperation instilled in us by working alongside the AKU-EB team has drawn us all together. If even one of us is slightly lagging behind, all of us come together to motivate and encourage them, as well as to help them with their preparation. I believe that this will also reflect very positively upon our institutions as well: Our work before used to be in isolation, but now preparation, demonstration, feedback and observation are all our collective business. There is also an increased sense of confidence among all of us when facing our colleagues and senior department fellows who are present as part of this second cohort of trainees. Given the fact that now we are the ones teaching and guiding them, it makes us feel proud when they appreciate our efforts and ask us questions to help guide them. It also increases the amount of commitment in all of us working towards a brighter future for Balochistan; we wish to multiply this knowledge and pass it on through all of our departments! I think that one of the greatest testaments to the power of good leadership and team spirit that have characterised our experience here is that despite how lengthy our working hours are, we have never left exhausted or feeling as if we were kept too long. The AKU-EB team has taught us by example, and I am proud to be associated with such a talented team of assessment experts and specialists working towards the betterment of our province!” Zubeena Mushtaq, Senior Research Officer, BoC