Larkana: Thousands of years ago, Moen Jo Daro gifted the world its first wheel—a symbol of innovation. Now, the Larkana STEAM Festival is reviving that spirit by inspiring young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Regional STEM Festival 2025 was organized in Larkana by the Sindh Education and Literacy Department (SE&LD) in the collaboration with Thar Education Alliance (TEA) under the theme of “Science in Sindh”. Schools that won district-level STEM competitions from the five districts of the Larkana region participated in the festival.
In the inauguration ceremony of the festival people from different walks of life including education department, Sindh education foundation, teachers, parents, community and activists attended, they pledge to promote the Science in Sindh.
While talking with the media, organizer of the event and Chief Executive Officer of TEA, Partab Shivani, said that STEAM education is not just about equipping our students with knowledge in science and technology; it’s about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will help them thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
Children Parliament Sindh’s member from Larkana, Asma Saleem said that there are certain responsibilities a state has towards its children. The most fundamental of them is providing access to education.
She added that the Constitution of Pakistan in Article 25A clearly lays down that “The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to 16 years in such manner as may be determined by law”. Similarly, Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of Child asserts that primary education must be compulsory and free for all and stresses the development of secondary education, and accessibility to vocational education. So it is time to drive for out of school children – let’s retain them together.
Organizations like SpaceCademy Society and STEAM Club Pakistan conducting live experiments can have a profound impact on students in Larkana by making science more engaging and hands-on. These initiatives ignite curiosity and inspire young minds to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Speakers at a session on STEAM education emphasized the need to organize science festivals in every village of Sindh to empower young minds and pave the way for a brighter future. They highlighted the importance of inclusive education, where no child faces discrimination based on gender.
“In this global era, it is disheartening that we still need permission to participate in such events,” they noted. “Change will only come when we wholeheartedly embrace initiatives like these. STEAM is not just the future—it is our present. Integrating STEAM approaches into teaching and learning is essential for progress.”
They also celebrated the presence of participants from the Larkana region, emphasizing that coming together for such events should be our priority. “By fostering curiosity and innovation, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to dream, learn, and succeed.”
The festival was attended by Director of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Syed Safdar Ali Shah, DG Colleges Sindh Dr. Naveed Rab Siddiqui, Director of Colleges Altaf Abro, Deputy Secretary Colleges Professor Fayaz Hussain, Director Sindh Education Foundation Larkana Dilshad Pirzada, District Education Officer Larkana Gul Bahar Magsi, other DEOs, DOs, and President of GASTA (Government Schools Teachers Association) Larkana GM Abro and others.
Schools securing the first, second, and third positions in district-level competitions from Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Qambar Shahdadkot, and Jacobabad participated in the event, showcasing their scientific models. Additionally, competitions in music, arts, and poetry were also held to promote peace and harmony. At the conclusion of the festival, The winners were awarded prizes in recognition of their achievements.
