Investing in Teachers for a Brighter Future

Joan Atkinson Institute of Teacher Education

At Quest for Education Foundation (QEF), we believe that the cornerstone of quality education is outstanding teachers—educators who are not only skilled in their craft but are also personally motivated to inspire and uplift their students. The Joan Atkinson Institute of Teacher Education (JACTE) embodies this belief, standing as a beacon of excellence in teacher training and professional development in rural Pakistan.

Investing in teachers, transforming lives

Education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty, but it cannot succeed without teachers who are empowered with the right skills and methodologies. Recognising this, KEF—our partner organisation in Pakistan—made the visionary decision to establish a dedicated teacher training institute. JACTE was formally established in March 2011 and has been committed to developing outstanding teachers through research-oriented and continuous professional development techniques.

Located in Basali, Pakistan, JACTE provides teacher training to female students aged 16-20, equipping them with the skills needed to provide children from disadvantaged rural areas with a world-class education. The institute is situated on the same site as Soan Valley Public School, allowing trainees to gain hands-on classroom experience throughout their training. The campus also houses a hostel for female trainee teachers and self-contained apartments for international teacher trainers, creating a vibrant and immersive learning environment.

A modern approach to teaching

Traditionally, teaching in Pakistan has relied on rote memorisation, where students were assessed on their ability to recall information without necessarily understanding it. JACTE challenges this outdated model by promoting interactive teaching methodologies that encourage critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge. The institute’s diploma course in Primary Education is designed to:

• Encourage young women from rural communities to become primary teachers, helping to establish or improve schools in their localities and in KEF-supported institutions.
• Develop interactive teaching and learning approaches that help children understand and engage with the world around them.
• Strengthen students’ English language skills, enabling them to use English as an effective medium of instruction.

However, financial constraints remain a major obstacle for many of these young women. Without funding, they cannot afford tuition or accommodation, making sponsorships vital in sustaining JACTE’s mission and ensuring that these future educators receive the training they need.

Honouring the Legacy of Joan Atkinson

The institute is named in honour of Joan Atkinson, a remarkable educator and humanitarian who devoted her life to uplifting others through education. Joan was a successful teacher and headteacher in the UK before dedicating herself to KEF’s mission in Pakistan. Her unwavering commitment to fairness, compassion, and educational excellence led her to work tirelessly in rural Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, helping establish schools and training teachers to transform lives.

During the devastating 2008 earthquake, Joan played a pivotal role in raising funds and coordinating relief efforts, ensuring that KEF provided shelter to over 26,000 families. Her selfless dedication and deep connection to the KEF community made her an inspiration to all who knew her. Joan continued supporting KEF’s work until her passing in 2018, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to shape the future of education in Pakistan.

Be part of this legacy

By supporting QEF, you are investing in the next generation of educators—teachers who will inspire, uplift, and empower thousands of children. Your donations directly contribute to providing teacher training, educational resources, and improved facilities at JACTE, ensuring that more children, particularly girls, have access to a world-class education.

Joan Atkinson believed in the transformative power of education, and together, we can continue her mission. Join us in shaping a brighter future—one teacher, one student, one classroom at a time.