LUMS leads the way for experiential learning in energy education
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has kicked off the first of the 2025 TEA-LP Webinar Series. Hosted by Dr. Kiran Siraj and Professor Naveed Arshad, the session explored their university’s innovative model for experiential learning. Titled, “Empowering Sustainable Futures: Integrating Experiential Learning in Energy Education for Marginalised Communities”, our hosts shared experiences from their annual exchange programme. Students from urban LUMS in Lahore, Pakistan spend a month at the University of Baltistan located in the remote area of Skardu forming long-lasting connections and deep learning experiences. This urban-rural exchange blends local resources and grounded experience with urban technology to create transformative learning for students. For example, the LUMS team brought equipment with them to set up a temporary mobile lab, while the Baltistan team provided vital local knowledge and lived experience to create a unique learning environment.
Through the exchange, the team developed five strategic pillars to shape the model for future iterations and replication of the programme:
- Youth-to-Youth collaboration
- Culturally sensitive and context-aware curriculum design
- Engaging local authorities: Building Trust and Permission
- Navigating Logistical and Environmental Challenges
- Immersive, Hands-on Learning Methodology
In discussion with Dr. Siraj after the event, she reflected that;
“Human-to-human and, more importantly, youth-to-youth connection is at the heart of such experiential education exchanges. Virtual sessions, although informative, cannot build the kind of strong partnerships and mutual understanding that come through immersive, on-ground collaboration. That spirit of shared ownership is what truly drives transformation.” – Dr. Kiran Siraj
It was an inspiring conversation with the hosts sharing their willingness to engage with other universities who would like to trial a similar approach. You can reach out to the LUMS team at kiran.siraj@lums.edu.pk or naveedarshad@lums.edu.pk
In case you missed the session, you can watch the recording HERE, read more about the experience HERE or watch a short video HERE.
