Category: Education

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Action for Impact launches “Words of Wisdom”, a motivational poetic blog book focusing on humanity and women empowerment. The book is a new addition to Pakistan’s literature, which educates all audiences to recognize self-worth and morality. Pakistan faces political, social, economic, and societal crises, thus requiring education on actualization of individual potential.

The poem “Power in you” speaks of utilizing hidden talent to build a constructive nation. The poem “Passionate” inspires achievement of deepest passions. Further, “The Mission” of life addresses acceptance of diversity and collectivism. The writer says that one step, one word, one simple action and one act of kindness can change the lives of people.

The poems “Displaced” and “I am woman and I am powerful” highlight the resilience of Pakistan’s women. The book carries over 40 blogs showcasing the writer’s thoughts over the past decade.

“Words of Wisdom” is written by the CEO of Action for Impact, Zartasha Niazi. She believes in the power of words and emotions. In this book, poems address pain, death, life diversity and passion. All Pakistanis need these lessons for self and societal improvement.

Action for Impact (Impact Digital Solutions) is a social enterprise and consulting firm providing communications and IT services. The company is fully registered with Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Act 2017). Action for Impact is an innovative platform that brings together striking initiatives which impacts lives across Pakistan.

The book is linked below.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2kfk1v9u4ir5jph/Words%20of%20Wisdom%20copy-5-1-1.pdf?dl=0

If the link is unsuccessful, send book request on given email address.
For feedback and suggestion, please reach out to the writer via email.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) University of Education (UoE), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) and FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan (FCEPL) announced research results of their collaborative project of School Milk Program (SMP) at a ceremony in Lahore. Attendees included Food Minister Sardar Hasnain Bahadur, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Minister, Raja Humayun Sarfaraz, Minister for Higher Education Punjab, VC UoE, Talat Pasha, VC UVAS, Nasim Ahmad, DG PFA Mudassir Riaz Malik, World Food Program Ms Amara Khan, govt officials, academia, development & UN agencies, and media.

 Launched jointly by UoE, UVAS and FCEPL in 2021, SMP aimed to generate research-based evidence on the benefits of daily milk consumption for children and highlight the need to develop a policy for providing milk in schools at a national level.

“The SMP results successfully reflect the importance of inclusivity and sustainability in the nourishment process. The act of providing milk in the daily diets of school going children and how it needs to be expanded to all of Pakistan for a healthy, nourished and well-educated Pakistan. The consumption of packaged, high-quality, safe milk should become part of legislative development through endorsement of the School Milk Program.” Said Sardar Hasnain Bahadur Dreshak, Minister for Food, Government of Punjab. “I appreciate the dedication and commitment of University of Education, UVAS and FrieslandCampina for working cohesively towards making this program a success.”

Dr Yasmin Rashid, Specialised Healthcare Minister said “No policy framework can be effective unless backed by research. Scientific research plays an integral role in establishing and impacting policy development and legislation. 40% of the children in Punjab are malnourished. I am very happy to see that the School Milk Program has been initiated. The results reflect that children’s heights and weights have increased after the Program, and will definitely help in initiating dialogue with the relevant government departments”

With an aim to develop a healthy and well-educated Pakistan, UoE worked with FCEPL to implement SMP in its 89 primary schools in District Attock and Sheikhupura. FrieslandCampina supported the initiative with its technical and operational expertise by developing requisite milk supply chain, resources for research, and communication. Food Science & Human Nutrition Department of UVAS conducted research regarding impact of the SMP on nutritional status of children and school attendance.

Punjab Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz stated: “Research is the forte of universities and we should using this as a foundational resource for optimum policy frameworks – so that it stays relevant for the future.”

SMP reiterates that milk as an essential food is integral to a complete and healthy meal. The Program evaluated the status of children in selected schools of Attock and Sheikhupura and the impact that milk provision (full cream milk & flavoured) had on their growth, nutritional deficiencies, and body composition – results of which were announced at the event.

“By providing milk, the health indicators have objectively improved in all children who received it.” Said Prof Dr Nasim Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. “It is my recommendation to all stakeholders, especially the Provincial governments, the Federal Governments and even the private sector to adopt such programs; this is an ideal time to upscale such projects of immense importance to our human capital and country itself.”

University of Education, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha commended the Govt of Punjab and said “The pilot project was implemented along scientific lines with purely professional methods. Not only the participating children, but their parents were also taken into confidence and made aware of the objectives of the SMP. The results were amazing. The most important issue we face with children in public schools is school attendance. There was significant improvement noted on that aspect as a result of the program, and attendance in participating schools increased upt to 20 percent, the study noted. I highly recommend that this program is upscaled and the learning/findings from this project warrant the same”

The SMP also addressed issues of rampant truancy and lack of children’s education in the country. Currently, Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children with an estimated 22.8 million (44%) children aged between 5-16 not attending school at all. In the 5-9 age group, 5 million children are not enrolled in schools and after primary-school age, the number doubles. 11.4 million adolescents between the ages of 10-14 are not receiving formal education. Nearly 10.7 million boys and 8.6 million girls are enrolled at the primary level and their numbers drop significantly (to 3.6 million boys and 2.8 million girls) by the time they reach the lower secondary level.

Ali Ahmed Khan, Managing Director, FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Ltd said “At FrieslandCampina, our vision is Nourishing by Nature, now and for generations to come. The School Milk Program is an extension of that. With these learnings, we will further partner with the Government and Development agencies to expand this program throughout Pakistan and provide lasting nutrition to our children. Doing so will ensure better attendance in schools as well.”

The successful completion and results of the School Milk Program are reflective of high impact, collaborative partnerships between the private and public sector in pursuit of the health and well-being of the nation.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Habib Oil Mills (HOM) have joined forces with Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) to empower girls’ education in the country by establishing a school, Shahina Perveen Campus, in the under-resourced locality of Ibrahim Haidery in Karachi. While the true motif of the school is to encourage girls’ education, about 25% boys from the district have also been enrolled in the school where they will be provided quality education.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, held its 25^th Convocation at its Korangi Creek Campus on Saturday, December 10, 2022. 1,374 graduates from numerous departments were conferred educational degrees at the ceremony this year which marks the Silver Jubilee convocation of IoBM.

The Chief Guest, Governor Sindh, Kamran Tessori graced the event with his presence. He was accompanied by Guest of Honor, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO, Habib Bank Limited and Keynote Speaker Mr. Abid Vazir, Director and COO, Cherat Packaging Limited.

In his welcome address, IoBM President, Talib S. Karim congratulated the graduates on their success while aspiring them for the future ahead. He quoted the vision of late founding President of IoBM, Mr. Shahjehan S. Karim, who envisioned to establish a business school imparting quality education. Mr. Talib extended a deep gratitude to members of the Board of Governors for their continuous support. He also acknowledged the Executive Director Ms. Sabina Mohsin’s hard work over the past 27 years in paving the way for the institute to host successful convocations year after year. Closing his speech, he advised the graduates to be respectful towards their parents and follow the path of IoBM alumni who have done remarkably well in the corporate sector.

The chief guest Mr. Kamran Tessori in his speech stated that the youth are the foundation that this great nation is built upon. He emphasized: “In the form of IoBM, Shahjahan S. Karim has given this country a great educational institution which has become a pride for Pakistan. Today, as you graduate from this auspicious university, it is crucial to embrace and portray the positive side of Pakistan as you step into the corporate world. The nation today needs good human beings who are educated and intellectual. It is crucial that as future leaders, you don’t get divided by ethnicity but take charge as Quaid e Azam had envisioned.”

Addressing the gathering, Chancellor IoBM, Mr. Bashir Jan Muhammad expressed his sentiments stating: “I see before me the generation of the future. The founder of the nation stated that the job of building the nation lies upon your shoulders. It is time to control your destiny, dream higher and reach for impressive milestones in your career.”

While inspiring the graduates to become change makers of the future, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb said that at every turn in life, individuals must ask themselves if what they are doing is helping people and making their lives easier. It is great to be successful in your chosen fields and have illustrious careers, but it is one of life’s greatest blessings to become a good human being. He encouraged the graduating batch to be humble, be patient, and strive for the stars while practicing ‘Confident Humility’.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Abid Vazir lauded the graduates, noting: “You are graduating from an institution that has prepared you well for the challenges that lie ahead. You are entering a new chapter in your life in an exciting world that is full of challenges and opportunities amplified by social media and the connection revolution. The dynamic corporate world outside is open for passionate individuals, intent on carving their own paths and taking initiatives. So develop your leadership skills and don’t sit back on your laurels.”

The students who were part of the graduating batch this year received their degrees in business administration as well as other relevant disciplines. 18 gold medals were also awarded to the highest achievers within their respective programs. 38 students were awarded merit certifications at the occasion as well.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

To improve the skills sector in Punjab, the European Union, Germany, and Norway handed over a modernized Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the Government of Punjab in a ceremony on Friday, Dec 09.

The new facility is the result of an upgradation of an existing TVET centre which has been supported by a TVET Sector Support Programme and funded by the European Union (EU), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Norwegian government.

Opening the handover ceremony, Chief Operating Officer TEVTA Punjab, Akhtar Abbas Bharwana  said that “The provincial government and TEVTA Punjab will responsibly utilize the resources and modern machinery. This facility opens new corridors of opportunities for learning, not only for youth but also for the teachers in Punjab.”

He also appreciated the efforts of the development partners and donors for upgrading the technical training institute into a state of the art Centre of Excellence.
The Center has been provided with the latest technologies and training opportunities for youth and teaching staff in the province to develop an effective e training environment to build competent and competitive workforce. Modern lab facilities, career counselling and job placement services would be available under one roof.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Ovidiu Mic, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, said “the TVET sector has always been a priority for the European Union in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. The center with its state-of-the-art equipment sets out a new vision and is a hallmark for delivering quality training within the TVET sector. We hope that this Centre will become the blueprint for other public and private sector institutes in aligning TVET with international standards”.

The Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Sebastian Paust, highlighted “the great potential in not only relying on jobs but entrepreneurship models in Punjab under the umbrella of the Centre of Excellence. Germany is strongly committed to continuing its work in the skills sector of Pakistan until 2026.”

Addressing the audience, Dr. Mansoor Zaib Khan, National Team Leader, GIZ Pakistan mentioned: “I hope that the Government of Punjab and TEVTA will take all measures to keep the CoE fully operational by providing the best leadership to the centre. This will ensure producing high -quality human resource and trainers for producing an excellent workforce and meeting the demands of the labour market.
The chairman TEVTA speaking at the occasion appreciated the efforts of the TVET SSP and the donors for turning the institute into Center of Excellence.

Chairman NAVTTC, Shahid Khan also attended the event and said that the CoE will serve as a hub to play an instrumental role in providing demand-driven training to the youth of Punjab along with training of staff while partnering at length with the private sector.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

While empowering youth and transforming technical and vocational training scenario in Pakistan, the European Union, Germany, and Norway handed over a modernized Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the Government of Sindh. The Center has been upgraded with the latest technologies and training opportunities for youth and teaching staff in the province.

The new facility is the result of an upgradation of an existing TVET centre which has been supported by a TVET Sector Support Programme and funded by the European Union (EU), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Norwegian government.

Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Saleem Raza Jalbani, Chairman Sindh TEVTA appreciated the efforts of development partners especially the European Union for supporting the skills sector in the province: “Our solemn responsibility is to offer adequate training to the youth of the province in emerging technologies with state-of-the-art facilities that are available in this facility for both, teachers and trainees”.

This Centre will play a significant role in the region for a cascading model of teachers’ training and imparting skills training for the youth. Modern lab facilities, career counselling and job placement services can now be found under one roof.

Mr. Ovidiu Mic, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Pakistan said that the European Union considers TVET as a priority sector for the socio-economic development of Pakistan and has supported the TVET policy and reform process for over a decade.

“The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Kotri, is one of the key achievements of our support. We expect that it will become the benchmark for all other institutes in Sindh, providing services at par with the international standards,” he added.

The Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Sebastian Paust, highlighted “the great potential in not only relying on jobs but entrepreneurship models in Sindh under the umbrella of the Centre of Excellence. Germany is strongly committed to continuing its work in the skills sector of Pakistan until 2026.

This facility aims to develop a training environment to build a competent and competitive workforce for the job market.

The Managing Director of Sindh TEVTA and principle of this upgraded training facility, Dr Ghulam Mustafa Suhag, shed light on the historic perspective of the institute. “I am grateful to all the partners. It has been a successful journey of change through the efforts of the TVET Sector Support Programme.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

A 3 member delegation from Youth Revolution Clan (YRC) led by Rizwan Anwar and co-chaired by Ms. Maha Jamil is participating in United Nations Annual Youth Summit at Geneva, Switzerland these days. Rizwan Anwar, Chairman YRC also serves as Global Youth Ambassador of United Nations. The Young entrepreneur participated in prestigious annual summit and shared his vision about active participation of youth in achieving the UN sustainable development goals for a better future.

While delivering his speech, Rizwan Anwar shared that with change, comes opportunity. As the world changes, we should understand our youth have evolving needs to unlock opportunities for sustainable growth and a need to act with our ecosystem of resources, tools, relationships and solutions. I suggest to Our Government , CSO’s and INGOs that Our sustainability strategy should have, at its core, a commitment to support our Youth and to help them achieve their wider sustainability ambitions.

Pakistani delegation also highlighted the various projects which they are completing to equip the Pakistani youth in Pakistan. They vowed that the youth are not only leaders of tomorrow but they are also catalysts for huge changes we aspire to bring in society right now. We need to engage youth from the grass root levels for developing sustainable future for all.

Youth Revolution Clan is a youth led organization working to uplift the socio-economic conditions of Pakistani Youth and engaging them to positive activities.

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) has completed pilot project of first of its kind skills program using a hybrid learning model in partnership with Coursera through which over 350 trainees are trained. On successful completion of the first training batch of 380 people in the fields of Professional Cook, Mobile Phone Repairing and Hair and Beauty Service during the pilot phase, the PSDF is planning to start the second batch of hybrid trainings from 1st January 2023. The Coursera is the world’s leading e-learning platform. The courses were developed in-house by PSDF in Urdu, and are available on Coursera alongside content from other global institutions. The PSDF will continue to expand hybrid learning to include other professions based on the success of this pilot hybrid training. The training is part of PSDF – e-tayyar, trainings. This program aims to provide quality and standardized education to all learners and prepare country’s workforce for the digital revolution the global economy is undergoing. This model has been introduced by PSDF keeping in view rising costs and to capitalize on the increasing digital access in the country. The hybrid learning model offers both a time and cost-effective learning solution for trainees. It is a blended learning model that combines online, theoretical learning and practical, on-site skills training. Through the hybrid learning program, learners will receive access to online learning content on Coursera that covers the theoretical component of their course and receive essential on-site training to gain hands on experience in their chosen profession. This also addresses the unique learning challenges online learners face and offers a more interactive learning experience to e-learners. The hybrid learning model also allows learners to complete training at their own pace, in the comfort of their homes, while also gaining practical knowledge at their designated training service provider institute.

First cohort of MS Data Science and MS Management graduated

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi held its biggest convocation for the Class of 2021 and 2022 at the Main Campus to award degrees to   2067 graduates. The graduating batch included 988 graduates from the Class of 2021 and 1079 graduates from the Class of 2022; and 1496 undergraduate students from six programs, 564 postgraduate students from nine programs and seven PhD scholars from three programs.

Minister for Universities and Boards Department, Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development, Government of Sindh, Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahoo; represented Chief Guest, Chief Minister of Sindh and Patron IBA, Syed Murad Ali Shah. President, Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin graced the ceremony as the Guest of Honor.

The Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi congratulated the graduating students and said, “It makes me immensely happy to share that almost 40% of our graduates are young women and this number is steadily growing, which leads me to give a special mention to our first female PhD scholar in Mathematics, Dr. Nazish Kanwal. IBA is honored to nurture such skilled individuals and we take pride in empowering our women in every field.”

Highlighting IBA’s transformation from a business school to a multi-disciplinary institution, Dr. Zaidi added that “We are more than just a business school, we have expanded our disciplines and sent out graduates who have mastered diverse disciplines and today I extend my heartiest congratulations to the first cohort of MS Data Science and MS Management for excelling in their academic journeys and I expect the same excellence from them in their career trajectory.”

Dr. Zaidi added that IBA has established three autonomous schools with independent Deans. He said that it was a matter of pride that IBA being a public sector university is usually considered a private sector university as its educational standards are at par with private institutions.

Dr. Shahabuddin expressed his pleasure at being back at his alma mater. He credited IBA for the discipline and skills instilled in ensuring his professional success. Speaking about global warming and the role of youth, he stated, “It is your generation around the world that we see addressing global warming with the energy, creativity, and urgency it demands. We see young people building movements that are changing minds, spearheading sustainability initiatives and acting in their daily lives to reduce their impact on the environment. We see them reminding their elders, climate change is real, and it is already reshaping our world.” He urged the graduates to maintain their spirit and to thoughtfully address the many challenges we face in current times.

Mr. Rahoo stated that he was honored to celebrate the graduation day of the country’s future leaders. He commended IBA for being a leading institute of excellence and said, “There is a long list of notable IBA alumni who are transforming the world with their progressive leadership; around 120+ of them are CEOs, serving in leading roles around the globe.” He also appreciated IBA’s mandate of ensuring diversity and inclusivity by taking students from all socioeconomic backgrounds with the help of IBA’s Financial Aid Programs. Currently 35% of the IBA students receive some form of financial aid. He urged the graduates to achieve remarkable goals in life and to make the institution proud.

The convocation ceremony featured the position holders in various degree programs who were awarded cash prizes, medals, shields and certificates of merit. Alumni Mahoor Shahzad (Olympian and badminton player) and Rabia Shahzad (weightlifter) were awarded with ‘Excellence in Sports’ awards respectively.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Kinnaird College participated and hosted an event in the UN annual gathering at Geneva, Switzerland.

A three member delegation led by principal Kinnaird College for women Dr. Rukhsana David represented Pakistan in the UN annual gathering at Geneva Switzerland. The UN Forum is the world’s largest annual gathering on Business and human rights with more than 2,000 participants from Academia, government, business, community groups and civil society, law firms, investor organizations, UN bodies, national human rights institutions, trade unions and media.

Over three days, participants take part in 60+ panel discussions on topics that relate to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights  (the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework), as well as current business-related human rights issues.

Kinnaird College for Women also organized a side Event during UN Forum on Human Rights at the Geneva Headquarter of the United Nations under the title of: Empowering Women for Sustainable Future”

While addressing at the Forum Dr Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women said: Women, who make up half of the world’s population, are paving their ways in economic and social development in the last three decades. By providing the opportunities to women including in decision-making, Empowering them Through Education and participation in all kinds of activities can lead towards a a sustainable path of development can be achieved together by leaving no one behind by 2030.

Rizwan Anwar Global Youth Ambassador of United Nations said that in reference to Pakistan and the huge percentage of youth population that we have, it is important to highlight the important role youth can play in building a sustainable society at all levels. The youth are not only leaders of tomorrow but they are also catalysts for huge changes we aspire to bring in society right now. There has been an increasing attention recently on policies and programming by Governments, UN Entities, regional and multilateral organizations and researchers, that focuses on youth civic engagement We  also need to Engage youth from the grass root levels  for developing sustainable future for  all.

Maha Jamil Director KCLCD and Co-Chair of Youth Revolution Clan Said: We are gearing up awareness through such events and by engaging young women in sustainable development agenda of United Nations and to encourage more commitment from the Youth for a positive and meaningful civic Engagement. This event is put together to acknowledge innovative thinking and encourage the spirit of social entrepreneurship, Women Empowerment,  and to recognize the contribution that youth is making in sustainable development and to draw attention to the surmounting challenge of climate change, poverty and disparity that looms menacingly.

The Forum is the foremost event to network, share experiences and learn about the latest initiatives to promote corporate respect for human rights. Kinnaird College for Women is the only Institution in Pakistan who has been selected to participate and organize an Event during the UN’s biggest forum.

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