Pakistan launches ‘landmark’ initiative to introduce social-emotional learning in classrooms

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a new initiative to introduce social-emotional learning in classrooms as part of efforts to move beyond traditional rote-based education, the education ministry said on Monday, announcing a partnership with an international nonprofit.

Social-emotional learning, or SEL, focuses on developing skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, teamwork and decision-making, and is increasingly being integrated into education systems worldwide to support student well-being alongside academic achievement.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Right To Play, an international nonprofit that uses sport and play-based learning to support children’s development, in collaboration with the Federal Directorate of Education.

Officials said the initiative would introduce 25 specialized lesson plans per grade level using Right To Play’s methodology, alongside teacher training programs and the provision of sports kits to promote learning through play.

“Investing in children’s emotional and social skills today is essential for building a more empathetic, resilient, and progressive Pakistan,” officials said in a statement.

The ministry described the initiative as part of broader efforts to modernize the education system and promote holistic student development, including mental, physical and social well-being.

However, the statement did not specify how many schools or students would be covered, when the program would begin or whether it would be implemented nationwide or as a pilot phase.

Pakistan’s education system has long been criticized for its focus on rote learning and limited emphasis on critical thinking and emotional development, with policymakers increasingly acknowledging the need for reforms that prepare students for broader social and economic challenges.