The Elementary and Secondary Education Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, successfully hosted its first-ever provincial STEAM competition under the ILMpact programme at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS) Lady Griffith, Peshawar.
The event brought together students and teachers from eight districts Mansehra, Swabi, Shangla, Dera Ismail Khan, Buner, Battagram, Charsadda, and Peshawar.
The competition featured 167 projects, with a selection showcased at the provincial event. These projects were developed through more than 1,050 STEAM activities across over 120 schools.
Around 200 students and teachers attended the event. The projects ranged from mathematics-based games and origami engineering models to recycled product innovations and balloon-powered cars, reflecting students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
The ceremony commenced with an address by the Secretary, Elementary & Secondary Education Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who highlighted the importance of conceptual learning and practical application. He stated: “Education is not just about passing exams or scoring marks, it is about understanding concepts deeply and applying them to solve real-life problems. When students transform knowledge into projects, they unlock creativity, build confidence, and prepare themselves to lead, innovate, and serve humanity in the digital age.” He further added: “STEAM Clubs and Hubs will transform schools into centres of innovation, where students and teachers collaborate to turn ideas into practical projects, fostering creativity, teamwork and real-world problem-solving skills.”
Dr. Javed Ahmed Malik, ILMpact Team Leader, who attended the event, emphasised the programme’s commitment to advancing girls’ education and empowerment. He noted that providing girls with access to quality education and hands-on STEAM opportunities is key to building confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills, enabling them to actively contribute to society and the economy. Teachers and school leaders were also recognised for their instrumental role in guiding students and fostering an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and innovation.
In his closing remarks, Faisal Khan Tarakai, Minister for Labour, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to education. He stated: “Education, especially girls’ education, is our topmost priority, and I have always advocated for it at every level.
We are pleased to see initiatives like the ILMpact programme moving from planning to implementation, with over 120 schools participating and many students being recognised today.
The government has significantly increased the education budget and is focusing on improving facilities, including IT and science labs, while also working on AI initiatives on a pilot basis.
Our priority is not only access but also the quality of education, particularly for girls and children in underserved and merged districts, so they can compete and succeed in the modern world.” Implemented in partnership with the British Council, the ILMpact programme continues to promote hands-on learning and confidence across government schools.
The successful event reflects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment to nurturing a generation of capable, curious, and confident problem-solvers.
