ISLAMABAD, Sept 17 (INP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has formally launched teachers’ training program, promoting quality education at the basic literacy-level through distance and non-formal education. The program is being introduced from autumn 2018 semester. The last date for the admission for the program is September 25, it was stated here on Monday It will be a certificate program for a period of six months. The AIOU is first in the country providing training to the teachers, engaged in providing education through online or distance learning system. It was hoped that the program will cater the needs of out-of-school children and help to meet the targets, set by the government. The program is being started on the initiative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui who attached high importance to quality education at all levels. The program will meet the requirements of trained teachers in the field of literacy and Non-formal education at the primary and the middle level. This is also the first-ever program which will mainly benefit the marginalized section of the society. The AIOU took the lead undertaking such a teaching program.  Earlier, there was not a single teacher education program in the field of literacy and non-formal education. Meanwhile, an adult literacy center has also been set up at AIOU to provide basic education to the low-cadre illiterate employees. The proposal for establishing the center was approved by the University’s executive council, in order to improve literacy rate among the illiterate adults. The program was arranged and designed by the University’s Department of Distance and Non-Formal Continuing Education. According to the Director of the Department Dr. Muhammad Ajmal, the Center serves as a model to teach those who could not avail the schooling facility at their early age. The same program will be undertaken at the regional level, he added.

INP/AJ