In a splendid ceremony brimmed with enthusiasm and passion, the esteemed Governor of Punjab, Baligh ur Rehman, marked a milestone by inaugurating the latest branch of the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) located in New Garden Town. The inauguration marked not just the opening of a new campus but also the reaffirmation of the importance of skills education in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Founder, President, and CEO of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq, led the Governor through a comprehensive tour of the campus, unveiling the state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge curricula that COTHM offers. While briefing the governor about the vision and mission of COTHM, Ahmad Shafiq said that since its inception in 2002, COTHM has consistently been a vanguard of skills education, equipping countless young minds with the expertise needed to excel in the hospitality and tourism sectors. He also highlighted the institution’s commitment to not just educating individuals but also transforming them into valuable assets for the nation. He said that COTHM has trained over 45,000 students in the past 20 years and these students are now working in some of the best hotels and restaurants not only in Pakistan but also in other countries. They are also starting their own businesses and contributing to the economic development of the country, he added. Ahmad Shafiq’s visionary leadership was lauded by Governor Baligh ur Rehman, who commended his dedication to service and his role in fostering a generation of skilled professionals.
As the event unfolded, it was palpable that COTHM is not just imparting knowledge; it’s shaping careers and forging destinies. Governor Baligh ur Rehman’s visit served as a powerful endorsement of COTHM’s contribution to the nation’s progress. His encouraging words resonated deeply with the students, infusing them with renewed vigor and determination to pursue careers in skills education.
While talking to the media, Governor Baligh ur Rehman emphasized the significance of hospitality and tourism education, highlighting its potential to catalyze economic growth and create a skillful workforce capable of contributing substantially to the national exchequer. He said that skills education is essential for the development of any country, and it is the key to economic growth and prosperity. A skilled workforce can create new businesses, generate jobs, and boost exports, he said, adding that it is also able to adapt to new technologies and changes in the global economy.
The governor further said that the inauguration of COTHM’s New Garden Town branch is more than just the unveiling of a new campus; it’s a declaration of intent, a commitment to nurturing a generation that possesses the skills, knowledge, and dedication to drive Pakistan towards a prosperous future. He also said that COTHM’s unwavering dedication to skills education shines as a beacon of hope and progress, igniting the path for Pakistani youth to seize their destiny and contribute meaningfully to their country’s growth.
In a gracious gesture, Ahmad Shafiq extended his gratitude to the Governor for gracing the event with his presence and for acknowledging the vital role of skills education in Pakistan’s development. His remarks encapsulated the spirit of COTHM, highlighting the institution’s commitment to empowering the youth with skills that not only enhance their personal growth but also contribute substantially to the nation’s prosperity.
The importance of skills education in Pakistan
There are a number of reasons why skills education is important in Pakistan. First, the country’s economy is transforming and there is a growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries. Second, the traditional education system in Pakistan is not meeting the needs of the market. Third, there is a lack of awareness about the importance of skills education among young people and their parents.
The good news is that there is a growing movement in Pakistan to promote skills education. The government is investing in skills training programs, and there are a number of private sector organizations that are also offering skills training. COTHM is one of the leading providers of skills training in Pakistan. The institution offers a wide range of programs in the field of hospitality and tourism.
COTHM’s programs are designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the course of life. The programs are practical and hands-on, and they focus on developing the skills that are essential for success in today’s economy. COTHM also offers placement assistance to its graduates, helping them to find good jobs after they complete their studies.
The importance of skills education cannot be overstated. Skills education is the key to economic growth and prosperity for Pakistan. It is the key to creating a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the new economy. It is the key to giving young people the opportunity to succeed in life.
