Turkish schools in Pakistan launch online classes

Turkey's Maarif Foundation on Thursday launched the second phase of online classes for the new school year in Pakistan.

The ceremony was held at the Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges head office in the capital Islamabad.

Pakistan's Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, Turkey's Deputy Education Minister Reha Denemeç, Maarif Foundation's Chairman Birol Akgün and others attended the event.

Mahmood praised the the Turkish foundation for keeping students engaged at a time when schools remain closed due to the pandemic.

The foundation operates 27 campuses across Pakistan with 13,000 students enrolled.

Also speaking at the event, Turkey's ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul stressed the close relations between the countries.

"It is the duty of the Republic of Turkey to stand with Pakistan in the provision of high quality education to its people," Yardakul said.

In the first phase on online education from April 1 to May 8, students were given 560 lessons spanning over 109 hours.

The school is using a software, Black-Board Collaborate, a sought-after learning system which creates a virtual classroom where each student enters using a unique password.