By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the realm of education, Bilal Farooq Khan, an IVLP alumnus of 2020 from the PUAN Peshawar Chapter, envisioned a project that would harness innovation to reshape the future of learning. Through the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program, he initiated the transformative project “Ed-Hack 2021.”
Holding an MBA in marketing and working as the Marketing and Communication Manager for the National Incubator Center, Peshawar, Bilal’s passion for innovation was palpable. His decade-long experience in working with startups and entrepreneurs, coupled with his network of partners and stakeholders, paved the way for an exceptional project. He aimed to provide a platform for youth to unleash their innovative potential and foster solutions for the education sector’s challenges.
The Ed-Hack 2021 was not just an event; it was an innovation catalyst that engaged minds to envision a better education landscape. With direct beneficiaries totaling 50 individuals and indirect beneficiaries reaching 1300, the project aimed to spark transformation on a significant scale. The one-week duration was packed with immersive activities and sessions.
Bilal’s rationale for this project was rooted in the realization that education was the cornerstone of socio-economic development. The dynamic innovation ecosystem in Pakistan necessitated innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the education sector. The COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated the need for digitizing education, making innovation an urgent priority. The Ed-Hack was meticulously designed to address these pressing needs.
The project was implemented over a period of 3 days and included a hackathon, workshops on design thinking and pitching, and training on branding, market research, business model canvas, and finance for non-finance. The event was attended by 30 participants from different backgrounds, including students, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
The participants worked together to develop 10 innovative ideas to make education more effective, accessible, and inclusive. Some of the ideas included a platform that connects students with tutors, a mobile app that provides educational resources to students in rural areas, and a website that helps students find scholarships and financial aid.
The project was a success and was well-received by the participants and the community. The participants said that they learned a lot from the event and that they were inspired to develop new solutions to the challenges faced by the education sector. The community also appreciated the efforts of the organizers to promote innovation in the education sector.
The project’s outcomes were remarkable. Participants were immersed in workshops, sessions, and activities led by experts and mentors. Solutions emerged that were not only innovative but also deeply impactful. Ideas like “Tutors Gateway” and “UniDesk” showcased the potential of the participants to revolutionize education through technology.
The impact resonated in the words of the beneficiaries. Hassan Bashir from Peshawar highlighted the productive nature of the hackathon and the nurturing environment it provided. Sundas Hamid echoed the sentiment, expressing appreciation for the rich learning experience.
Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) was a journey of empowerment for Bilal. His passion for innovation found a platform to flourish, aligning with PUAN’s goals of promoting education through technology and community engagement.
Amid challenges, the project thrived. A short timeframe posed a challenge, but a robust promotion strategy ensured the right participants were reached. The project’s alignment with the PUAN Charter’s goals was evident as it fueled innovation and empowered participants to contribute to education reform.
Bilal’s vision extended beyond the Ed-Hack. National Incubation Center Peshawar, Innov8X, and the Enlight Lab continue to lead innovation-centric activities, fostering positive socio-economic impacts.
In the midst of a pandemic, Bilal Farooq Khan’s Ed-Hack 2021 illuminated a path of hope and innovation. The project encapsulated the essence of change-making, resilience, and the transformative power of ideas. Through innovation, collaboration, and the determination to reshape education, Bilal’s project left an indelible mark on the education landscape, inspiring a brighter future for learners everywhere.
