Islamabad, May 16, 2026

The Commonwealth of Learning-Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, organised a three-day workshop on “Eldercare Courseware Adaptation” from 14 to 16 May 2026 at AIOU Islamabad.

The workshop brought together academics, medical professionals, nutrition experts, curriculum designers, development practitioners, and representatives from relevant academic departments to jointly develop the framework and course outline for Pakistan’s first Elderly Caregivers Certificate Course.

During the workshop, experts emphasised that the rising number of elderly people in Pakistan and across the world has created an urgent demand for professional caregiving services. They described the proposed program as a timely and much-needed initiative that would not only address an important social challenge but also create new educational and employment opportunities for young people. They also proposed the inclusion of a wide range of subjects in the programme, including elderly health care, medication support, psychology, human behaviour, nutrition, communication skills, emotional support, mental and physical health, social care, psychosocial support, and professional ethics.

The participants emphasised the need for a balanced blend of practical and theoretical training to equip learners with the skills required to provide quality elderly care services.

Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, highlighted the growing regional and global demand for trained caregivers. Referring to successful caregiving models developed in Sri Lanka, he noted that such experiences could provide valuable insights for Pakistan’s programme development in elderly care.

Dr. Zahid Majeed, Director, International Collaboration and Exchange, AIOU, shared that the initiative would open new employment pathways for Pakistani youth in both local and overseas markets.

Workshop participants reiterated their commitment to developing the curriculum in line with modern academic and international professional standards. They emphasised that the programme would not only address the shortage of trained caregivers in Pakistan but also promote dignity, compassion, and improved quality of life for elderly citizens.

The course is expected to be developed within six months and will be offered both as an independent certificate programme and as part of selected BS degree programmes at AIOU.