LAHORE Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, after getting a briefing on Thursday from Sir Michael Barber of the UK regarding the progress of the School Reforms Programme and implementation of the Barber Roadmap for 100pc enrolment, signed a Declaration of Commitment for promotion of education in the province. Implementation of the roadmap for 100 per cent enrolment in primary schools, uplift of the education sector and the school reforms is yielding positive results. But still there is a need for collective efforts for the success of this programme, the Chief Minister said while expressing his gratitude to the British government, especially Sir Michael Barber for his roadmap for improvement of the education sector and the DFICs assistance for elimination of poverty and unemployment and provision of education facilities in Southern Punjab. The CM was addressing a special training workshop held for EDOs, DEOs and teachers at the Directorate of Staff Development here on Thursday. Education Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Head of DFID (Department for International Development in Pakistan) George Turkington, Sir Michael Barber, members of the National as well as provincial assemblies, intellectuals and columnists were present on the occasion. He said the EDOs would have to play an effective role for uplift of education sector and ensuring hundred percent enrolment. He announced that five marks given in the interview for the recruitment of teachers would now be awarded to such teachers of English, Science and Mathematics subjects who were also skilled in information technology. The Punjab government is taking all possible measures for the development of education sector and provision of necessary facilities and encouragement of teachers and now it is responsibility of those associated with education department to play their role for promotion of education and achievement of educational targets, he said. The CM, however, lamented that there were lakhs of children not enrolled in schools while the drop-out ratio was also alarming. He added that a programme had been started with the collaboration of British educationist and the DFID for rectifying the situation and no effort would be spared for its success. Shahbaz Sharif also said the training programme for education managers, EDOs and teachers would leave a positive impact on the education sector and this programme would help educate the new generation on modern lines. He asked those associated with education department to persuade parents to send their children to school as it was the only way to progress and success. Earlier, Sir Michael Barber said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is deeply interested in development of the education sector and effective implementation of the education reforms programme is a proof of this fact. He said that the CM and his entire team was making commendable efforts for the success of this programme. If this very spirit and determination prevailed, the day is not far when every child of Punjab will be educated. Earlier, the CM witnessed an exhibition regarding guides/lesson plans for teachers at the Punjab Directorate of Staff Development. He also visited different classrooms.