Category: Education

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi in collaboration with Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute, organized the last large assembly of this program at the IBA, Main Campus to emphasize the impact of creative leadership, on an individual and organizational level.

Speakers at the event included Founder and CEO Synapse, Dr. Ayesha Mian; Keynote Speaker and Principal, Development + Humanitarian Assistance, Miyamoto International, Unjela Kaleem; Former Chair and Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine Agha Khan University (AKU), Dr. Asad Mian; and CEO, NAPA Karachi, Mr. Junaid Zuberi.

Dean Student Affairs IBA, Maheen Ghauri commenced the session and presented a welcome note.

Dr. Ayesha introduced the program and stated that its main objective was to assist the IBA fraternity to communicate better and more creatively. She emphasized that if you can inspire others to do more than you are a true leader. She also opined that fearless organizations offers psychological security to their employees so that they can voice their ideas freely.

In her keynote speech Ms. Kaleem shed light on storytelling and its role in leadership. She said that a person’s happiness depends on the quality of their thoughts and urged leaders to work cooperatively with their teams to bring out innovative ideas and solutions. She stated that to be an effective leader, one must be open to learning, criticism and failure. She urged the participants to be authentic in whatever they do.

Mr. Zuberi expressed his delight on coming back to his alma mater. Sharing his thoughts on the topic, he stated that leaders must experiment and take risks to be good leaders. He underscored the importance of community engagement and said that a good leader is one who attains success with limited resources.

Mr. Asad shared the nuances of disruption and ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship).

A panel discussion ensued on ‘Celebrating Failure in Leadership’. A Q&A session followed the discussion.

Earlier, Office of Student Affairs, IBA, signed an MoU with Synapse, Pakistan to launch the Tabeer – (IBA x Synapse) Program for the IBA students, staff, and faculty. The launch program took place in April 2023.

The Tabeer initiative was created with several objectives in mind. First, the IBA aims to promote compassion and empathy among IBA students, faculty, and staff. Second, it seeks to encourage effective communication and active listening within the IBA community. Third, the goal is to foster creative thinking and innovative problem-solving in leadership roles. Last but not the least, the IBA aims to build a supportive and inclusive IBA culture that values diversity and acceptance.

The initiative consisted of several components. The first component was a series of workshops and training sessions, which educated the community on the importance of compassion, effective communication, and creative leadership. These sessions were facilitated by experts in the fields of psychology, communication, and leadership.

This program concluded with a series of pitches of community-based projects that students will work on under the mentorship of faculty and staff mentors. These projects will range from hands-on-work to online virtual forums. The projects aim to bring about positive change and inclusivity amongst the IBA Community.

  

Sindh govt, SAF, GCT renew pledge to work together to enrol millions of out-of-school children under accelerated drive.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Two leading charities and the Sindh government have renewed their pledge to work together to build quality learning facilities to enrol hundreds of thousands of out-of-school children in the province in the shortest possible time.

The chiefs of Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), non-profits Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF), and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) spoke at the SAF-GCT annual dinner and came up with the consensus view that the government, concerned philanthropists, and sincere non-governmental organisations had to combine their efforts and resources to overcome illiteracy in the province.

On the occasion, memorabilia associated with sports legends Shahid Afridi, Jahangir Khan, and other renowned athletes were auctioned in the presence of Karachi’s leading businessmen and industrialists. The proceeds of the auction will be used to fund the joint charitable campaign of the SAF-GCT to educate children from deprived families in Sindh.

Speaking on the occasion, SAF Chairman, Shahid Afridi, reiterated the resolve of his non-profit to fulfill the basic needs of the underprivileged communities in the remotest parts of the country where other NGOs generally don’t serve due to lack of resources.

He said the SAF in partnership with committed organisations like SEF and GCT would continue to build state-of-the-art school facilities for children in rural and backward parts of Sindh.

He told the audience that enrolment of out-of-school children was a gigantic task but sincerely concerned charities, government agencies, and philanthropists by combining their efforts could achieve this noble cause.

He said that one of the noble missions being pursued by the SAF was daughters’ education as ensuring female literacy means ensuring the education of the rest of the family members.

SEF Managing Director, Abdul Kabir Kazi, said the public-private partnership was the way forward for the concerned quarters including the governments, NGOs, private sector, and philanthropists to build new educational facilities for enrolling out-of-school children.

He said the SEF was the arm of the Sindh government, which in partnership with committed non-profits like SAF and GCT opened new educational facilities in the remotest parts of Sindh at an accelerated pace.

He informed the audience that SEF had been running 150 non-formal education centres for imparting education and technical skills to children from deprived communities at an accelerated pace as 1,200 students graduated from these centres last year alone.

He said the SEF had built 30 digital learning centres imparting education through tablet computers to children in remotest and underprivileged areas including flood-hit parts of the province.

GCT CEO, Zahid Saeed, expressed gratitude to Karachi’s business fraternity for keenly participating in the auction of sports memorabilia to become a partner in the drive to educate children from needy families in Sindh.

He said that educating each and every child irrespective of his or her socio-economic background could transform Pakistan on the lines of China and become a superpower in a few decades with a complete focus on education.

He told the audience that with the active support of the concerned philanthropists and donors, the SAF and GCT through a network of charitable schools had been transforming the lives of 35,000 children from impoverished families.

He said the GCT was well on track to expand the number of its charitable schools in Sindh to 250 having the combined capacity to enrol 100,000 children from needy families by the end of 2025.

He informed the audience that last year the GCT had expanded the footprint of its charitable work beyond Sindh for the first time by establishing a school in the Winder area of Balochistan.

SAF CEO, Zafar Malik, shared with the audience the vision of his non-profit to impart technical skills to children from impoverished areas in addition to formal education to enable them to earn for their families in the shortest possible time. He said the SAF had been introducing the programme of providing food rations to children enrolled in its charitable schools to care for their basic health and nutritional needs. He said the SAF had also been building a network of mobile clinics to provide basic healthcare facilities to the rural population especially women in remote areas.

The event was attended by several leading philanthropists, businessmen and industrialist including, Former Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail, President KATI, Jouhar Qandari, Asif Ismail, Zubair Chayya, Farooq Bukhari, Muhammad Ali Majid, Chaudhry Israr, Dr. Kaiser Waheed, Haroon Qassim, Emran Assad, Noor ul Hassan, Ijaz Nisar and Others.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Shahid Afridi, Jahangir Khan, and other sports celebrities are going to dedicate and auction their memorabilia at an event being organised on Wednesday (today) to fund an ongoing charitable campaign aimed at educating children from needy families in Sindh. The non-profits Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) are jointly hosting the event. The auction of the sports memorabilia will take place in the presence of over 250 members of Karachi’s business and industrial fraternities. The SAF and GCT joined hands five years back to jointly fight illiteracy in Sindh by enrolling out-of-school children. Their joint partnership has been transforming the lives of over 35,000 children from deprived families by providing them with quality education through a network of charitable schools in Sindh. Both have been running hundreds of charitable schools providing quality education to children from deprived families in Sindh. Other eminent sportsmen whose memorabilia will be expected to be auctioned on the occasion include Javed Miandad, Jansher Khan, Samiullah, Kalimullah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam. A special feature of the event will be humorous poetry to be rendered by eminent poets Khalilullah Farooqi, Khalid Irfan and Hakeem Nasif to entertain the audience. SAF Chairman, Shahid Afridi, said that his non-profit was fully keen to once again get the fullest support from Karachi’s business fraternity to accelerate the drive to educate children from deprived families. GCT CEO, Zahid Saeed, said that his non-profit had the resolve to work together with committed non-governmental organisations, government agencies, and concerned philanthropists to resolve the issue of out-of-school children in Sindh in the shortest possible time. GCT aims to increase its schools up to 250 with an enrolment of up to one lac underprivileged students by the end of 2025. “Both SAF and GCT, have reinforced to work in the long term to eradicate illiteracy and bring hope to the youth of Pakistan ”, Shahid Afridi, Jahangir Khan and Zahid Saeed jointly said.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) More than 730 students in four countries graduated from the Aga Khan University on Saturday at ceremonies attended by Princess Zahra Aga Khan and other dignitaries and watched in-person and online by the University’s supporters around the world.

“On graduating, you return to a world that is full of daunting challenges but also of endless possibilities,” Princess Zahra Aga Khan said in Nairobi, speaking on behalf of AKU’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan. “Continue to strive with courage and optimism to grasp opportunities to serve your communities and contribute to a more pluralistic and peaceful world.”

391 students graduated in Pakistan – more than 70 percent of them women – and were awarded degrees in nursing, medicine and education. The University’s chief guest was Sabina Khatri, Founder of the Karachi-based Kiran Foundation.

“I cannot help but imagine the great things you will achieve with your immense talent and the knowledge and skills developed during your time at AKU,” Ms Khatri told the graduates. “I have no doubt that your accomplishments can surpass anything I have achieved thus far. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan for helping countless young people to fulfill their potential, including the Kiran children studying at Aga Khan schools and colleges and also AKU Examination Board-affiliated schools like Habib.”

AKU commemorated its 40^th anniversary on March 16, 2023. Princess Zahra detailed some of the many achievements that have made the University’s 40^th year one of the most consequential in its history. Four new academic programmes welcomed their first students, increasing total enrollment to more than 3,600 for the first time in the University’s history. These are the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Karachi, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programme in Nairobi and the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Construction began on the University’s new 60-acre campus in Uganda, which will feature an academic centre, student housing and a new Aga Khan University Hospital, the first AKU has built since 1985. In Nairobi, the Aga Khan University Hospital implemented East Africa’s first integrated electronic health records system. In Tanzania, the University launched the Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre.

“We are hopeful that these new and continuing programmes and facilities will make AKU an increasingly powerful platform for the education of leaders, the creation of relevant knowledge, and the delivery of world-class education and health care,” Princess Zahra said.

AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin called the day a “crowning moment” for the graduates, noting that the University has awarded nearly 20,000 diplomas, degrees and postgraduate certificates since its inception. He outlined the University’s plans for the future, which are contained in its new five-year strategic plan. They include launching close to a dozen new degree programmes in fields ranging from data science to teacher education; enhancing research capacity in mental health, climate change and other disciplines; expanding the AKU health system; deepening the University’s partnerships with public and private institutions at home and abroad; and continuing to earn new forms of academic and health care accreditation from leading international organizations. 

“That AKU has been able to achieve so much across its four decades is above all thanks to its founder, Chancellor, and chief benefactor, His Highness the Aga Khan,” President Shahabuddin said. “His Highness’s vision continues to guide us and continually inspire us with the strength to make bold decisions that keep AKU at the forefront of innovation, quality and impact.”

The School of Nursing and Midwifery conferred the Outstanding Graduate Award on Zehra Amanullah for earning the highest cumulative grade point average. She also received the Nursing Practice Award.

For just the 13^th time in its history, the Medical College awarded its Gold Medal to a graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programme. Alizah Pervaiz Hashmi received the Medal for earning the top score on at least three of the four certifying examinations, including the final examination.

Bank Alfalah and Zindagi Trust unite to transform education through integrating digital arts and the financial literacy.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial bank in Pakistan, and Zindagi Trust, a pioneering non-profit organisation committed to transforming the landscape of education in Pakistan, are pleased to announce the initiation of the Digital Arts and Financial Literacy Program at Zindagi Trust schools.

This initiative is pivotal in Bank Alfalah’s dedication to fostering educational innovation and digitisation in Pakistan. Bank Alfalah will be funding PKR 14.84 million over a span of two years to facilitate the establishment of a digital art lab and enhance their curriculum empowering young girls on their path to financial independence at an early age.

The program aims to evolve the educational landscape by integrating digital arts and essential financial literacy into the curriculum, offering girls professional opportunities in the digital world. The collaboration is set to benefit around 2,000 female students at Zindagi Trust’s adopted schools in one academic year. This will open doors for girls to develop valuable skills that are increasingly in demand increasing their access to professional opportunities in the long term. The girls will be better equipped to pursue rewarding careers and achieve financial independence in the future.

Zindagi Trust, recognised for its innovative educational approaches, is breaking new ground by integrating Digital Arts and Financial Literacy into their adopted schools. This initiative marks another milestone in the organisation’s history, where Zindagi Trust has consistently been a trailblazer, notably for introducing the innovative school adoption idea through Public-Private Partnership. This Digital Arts and Financial Literacy Program aspires to endow students with indispensable skills requisite for navigating the contemporary world, amalgamating artistic expression with financial acumen to nurture well-rounded individuals. This endeavour is poised to not only benefit the students within our immediate community but also myriad others across the expanse of Pakistan. Upon the successful implementation of this initiative within Zindagi Trust’s adopted schools and will be advocating for its expansion and endeavouring to formulate a curriculum tailored for public schools in Sindh, and eventually throughout Pakistan.

Zindagi Trust has a rich history of success, particularly in Arts Education and this Digital Arts  will be a module for the existing Arts Program. The organisation’s Arts Program has seen students consistently outperforming in various competitions, showcasing their exceptional talent and creativity. With the Digital Arts and Financial Literacy Program, Zindagi Trust is poised to take Arts Education to the next level, providing students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. The framework for this groundbreaking program has been meticulously developed in collaboration with esteemed faculty from the Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture and Karachi University. Furthermore, Zindagi Trust has worked closely with Umair Najeeb, a renowned digital artist, to ensure the program is at the forefront of digital arts education.

“We are grateful to pioneer this initiative, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our students”, said Shahzad Roy, Founder and President at Zindagi Trust. “This collaboration with Bank Alfalah highlights our commitment to providing our students with the best possible education and opportunities for success.”

Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah, emphasised, “We recognise the power of education in shaping futures, and through this collaboration, we aim to empower young girls with skills essential for success in the digital world. This initiative also aligns seamlessly with our ongoing commitment to digitisation, as we believe in leveraging technology to enhance the learning experiences of the next generation.”

Zindagi Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to effecting transformative change through education and persistently endeavours to redefine the parameters of educational innovation. The operationalization of the inaugural Digital Arts Lab at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School stands as a testament to this unwavering dedication to providing students with a superior educational experience. Additionally, plans are underway for the establishment of a second Digital Arts Lab at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School, reaffirming the organisation’s pledge to extend high-quality educational opportunities to a broader spectrum of students. Commencing from the academic year of 2024, the Digital Arts Program will be implemented, marking a significant step forward in enriching the educational landscape and fostering the holistic development of our students.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, hosted its Annual Career Fair 2024, at the IBA Main Campus. Organized by the IBA Career Development Center (CDC) in collaboration with a Student Committee, the event aimed to connect corporate entities and emerging ventures with the vibrant student body of the Institute.

This year’s Career Fair witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 170 companies and 40 career counsellors participating in the event. Representatives from various sectors, including banking and financial institutions, social and service sector, industrial manufacturing, and information technology, engaged with the diverse pool of talented students at IBA.

Inaugurating the ceremony, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Annual Career Fair is a crucial platform for our students to interact with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, and gain valuable insights into their respective fields.” Additional remarks were provided by Head, IBA-CDC, Syed Atif Murtaza Qaiser; Registrar IBA, Dr. Asad Ilyas; Head Culture Enablement, Bank Alfalah, Rehan Naeem; and HR Leader, Ismail Industries Limited, Mr. Arif Hussain Nomani.

One of the highlights of the event was the inclusion of ‘Career Vista’, powered by Bank Alfalah. This platform facilitated interactive panel discussions and one-on-one sessions with 40 industry experts. Professionals from renowned brands including P&G, Z2C Limited, Oxford University Press, National Foods, Hilal Foods, Meezan Bank, and others provided personalized guidance to the students, assisting them in navigating their career paths.

The IBA Career Fair 2024 came to a successful fruition with the support of our sponsors. Bank Alfalah served as the Lead Sponsor, Ismail Industries Limited as the Platinum Sponsor, and Meezan Bank and National Bank of Pakistan as Silver Sponsors. Bronze Sponsors included Z2C Limited, Tafsol, and DP World, while Pepsi Co contributed as the Beverage Partner.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

The Little Art is excited to announce the 16th edition of Artbeat, our program dedicated to promoting children’s creativity. This annual exhibition provides a platform for young artists aged 4 to 18 to express themselves on social and environmental issues.

Over 11 years and 15 editions, Artbeat has become a vibrant community connecting young artists, educators, and art enthusiasts. It serves as a stepping stone for many children who have pursued successful careers in the arts and beyond. Last year, the National College of Arts Lahore hosted its exhibition and award ceremony to showcase the art submissions and honor the children.

This year’s themes, Flowers / Plants / Trees | Green Cities | Biodiversity Wonderland, invite young artists to explore their surroundings, imagining the green and sustainable world they want to live in. Artbeat 2024 empowers children to voice their thoughts on critical issues like climate change, a sustainable future, and diversity.

The jury of this year’s 16th Artbeat consists of Ali Azmat (Painter and Teacher, Punjab University), Risham Hosain Syed (Artist, Beaconhouse National University), Shireen Bano Rizvi (Artist, National College of Arts), Irfan Gul Dahri (Artist and Curator, Art Otaq/Numaish Gah).

Call for Submissions:

From January to February, young artists across Pakistan can submit their works in categories like painting, drawing, and mixed media. Renowned artists and educators will judge the submissions, with winners receiving prizes at a prestigious ceremony.

Visit the website for submission details:
www.thelittleart.org

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its New Member’s Ceremonies held in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. These events marked a significant milestone, celebrating the induction of a significant number of new members into ACCA’s global network, reflecting ACCA’s growing influence and commitment to nurturing accounting talent in Pakistan.

The events celebrated over xxx newly inducted ACCA members and fellow members who come from diverse backgrounds but follow the same journey as their peers globally. The events also recognised ACCA’s prizewinning students, newly awarded approved employers, Practical Experience Supervisors, and winners of ACCA advocacy awards. 

ACCA Director of Asia Pacific, Pulkit Abrol, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the new members, stating, “As we welcome our new members, we are not just celebrating their achievements but also invigorating the future of the accountancy profession in Pakistan. Their skills, dedication, and ethical commitment are crucial in navigating the complex economic landscapes of today’s world. They are the vanguard in our mission to foster a sustainable and transparent business environment.”

ACCA’s direction for its new members is clear and forward-thinking. Emphasising the importance of adaptability, technological advancement, and ethical integrity, ACCA aims to equip its members to be at the forefront of the global accounting landscape. The organisation encourages its members to engage in continuous learning and contribute significantly to the economic development of Pakistan and beyond.

The ceremonies in each city were graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including corporate leaders, senior government officials, and representatives from the education sector. Their participation underlined the collaborative effort between ACCA and various sectors in nurturing and employing top-tier accounting professionals.

Adding to the significance of the events, the ceremonies were honoured by the attendance of prominent national personalities including Walid Iqbal, Senator, Government of Pakistan and Sajid Hussain, CEO, SKANS School of Accountancy who joined in Lahore as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively; former Federal Minister and Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, DR. Ishrat Husain in Karachi; and Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Former Minister of State for Investment / Founder, Nutshell Group, in Islamabad;Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq, Founder & Chairman, The Millennium Education & TMUC, in Islamabad. Their presence and insights provided invaluable perspectives, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the accounting profession and various sectors in shaping a robust economic future for Pakistan.

As ACCA continues to expand its network and influence in Pakistan, these ceremonies stand as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to excellence in the field of accountancy and its role in shaping the future of finance professionals worldwide.

Our proud Strategic Partners: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Ltd, InfraZamin Pakistan. Platinum Partners: SKANS Education Pvt Ltd., S&P Global, TMUC, Kalsoom International Hospital, Dawlance, Engro Energy, Telenor Global Shared Services, Pakistan Mercantile Exchange. Our Gold Partners: Adroit/Obox Accounting, PAC – Lahore, Gadoon Textile Mills Limited, TSA. Our Supporting Partners: ICMA Pakistan, Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), P@SHA, Pakistan Business Council (PBC), Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business (CERB), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance (PICG), Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT), Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), CFA Society, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Punjab Revenue Authority. Our knowledge Partners: Nutshell Group and KPMG.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The second day of the Pakistan Learning Festival 2024, culminated with the Governor of Punjab, Baleegh ul Rehman, closing the session which had unfolded as a continuation of a dynamic tapestry of educational sessions, creative workshops, and empowering discussions. Speaking on the occasion he stated, “Just reading a lot of books at one point in your lives is not enough. Learning is an on-going task and we must ensure that ecery day that we live is better than the last.

That can only happen if we read as reading is a must to improve not just our learning curve, but to become better human beings and to learn through a fun experience. That is why such Festivals are a must for our nation.” The day commenced with an insightful session on “Learning through Role Play and Drama” by Atif Badar, setting the scene for a day of engaging and interactive learning experiences.

One of the highlights of the day was the launch event “Chutki ke Rang, Bachon ke Sang,” featuring the National Book Foundation’s unveiling of five books in collaboration with ITA and Room to Read. Maryam Shehzadi, Obien Mayo, Rakhshanda Naveed, Ali Raza, Marria Khan and Baela Raza Jamil participated in a discussion moderated by Rumana Husain, exploring the power of storytelling. Renowned artist Vicky Zhuang Yi-Yin shared insights into the impactful book “Sitti’s Bird – a Gaza Story” by Malak Mattar, adding depth to the festival’s diverse literary offerings. Rang Barangy Dantt, presented by Rakhshanda Naveed, and the launch of “Nanhay Hoshiyar,” focusing on social-emotional literacy through Allama Iqbal’s poems by Aimen Mirza and Baela Jamil, added further dimensions to the literary landscape. The festival continued to foster a love for science through engaging sessions like “Science Fuse,” exploring subjects ranging from the Science of Rockets to Making Human-sized Bubbles. Khwarizmi Science Society’s Microscopy Show provided a fascinating look into the microscopic world.

The British Council further enriched the festival with a Popup Library and Storytelling sessions, promoting digital and gamified learning. Inclusive sports activities, coding workshops, and various creative activities kept participants engaged throughout the day. Educational sessions included an engaging theatre workshop by Abuzar Malik, offering participants a hands-on experience in the art of performance and storytelling. In a meaningful initiative, students took center stage with climate change and learning pledges, showcasing their commitment to environmental improvement and continuous education. Riqza Riaz and Izzah Ramzan orchestrated an art and expression activity, providing a platform for participants to unleash their creativity. Through this hands-on session, individuals explored various forms of artistic expression, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at the festival. Dr. Uzma Ashiq conducted a crucial session on mental health and psychosocial support tailored for adolescents and youth.

The discussion addressed essential aspects of mental well-being, offering insights and strategies to navigate the challenges faced by this demographic, promoting mental health awareness in the community.

Film screenings by SOC Films unfolded thought-provoking narratives, providing a cinematic journey. The curated films, including “Quaid say Batain” and “HASHIYA,” offered alternative perspectives and engaged audiences on social justice issues. WWF representatives led climate and water conservation discussions, enhancing the critical need for environmental awareness.

The sessions explained the ongoing challenges, future considerations, and the role of individuals in fostering a sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to address climate and water-related issues. An insightful discussion on personal and menstrual health, shed light on important aspects of well-being. Another session dedicated to youth participation in promoting adolescent issues provided a platform for meaningful dialogue.

The festival wrapped up with a crucial panel discussion on child abuse and protection. The discourse centered on child mental health, development, and growth, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children’s well-being. The Pakistan Learning Festival has consistently served as a beacon of knowledge, made possible through the steadfast support of its valued sponsors and partners including British Council, Room to Read, LGS, PILAC, Beaconhouse School, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Agahi, Sighsavers, and Oxford University Press. Pakistan Learning Festival exemplifies the spirit of collective engagement and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive change in the community.