Building Balochistan’s research base

“I was elated to learn that I had been selected for the ‘Training of Educational Researchers’, as it related so strongly with my own field of work. Research constitutes a vital part of my job, as the recommendations that I make to educational stakeholders must be based on evidence, precedent, and reason -- all of which are vital components of any good research practice.

Even beyond my role as a coordinator for stakeholders, I believe that being skilled in research will allow anyone working within the field of education to better understand the nature of their role and how to fulfil it to the best of their ability. To give just one example: If it is my job to advocate for the building of additional schools in a given district, I must use rationale and justifications that are convincing and clearly demonstrate the benefit that this would bring. When I completed the first phase of training in student assessment from AKU-EB, it benefited me to the extent that many of my colleagues saw me as an example and asked be included next time. As Balochistan faces a severe shortage of trained research experts, I am hopeful that this training will provide similar inspiration to aspiring researchers who understand local contexts. I hail from a conservative area of Balochistan, where women are often denied the same opportunities as men. As such, I owe everything about where I am to my father: He defied tradition, never treating me differently from my brothers and ensuring that I received the same education as they did. It is because of his faith in me that I am working for the betterment of education for children throughout our province today.” Aisha Bugti, Deputy Focal Person, Policy Planning and Implementation Unit, Balochistan