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2,000 Closed Schools In Sindh Being Made Functional: Minister

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : May 19 (PNS) - Sindh Education Minister Irfanullah Khan Marwat Tuesday said 2,000 closed schools in the province were being made functional this year.

There are 3,400 non-functional schools in Sindh and the Remaining 1,400 schools would be made functional next year, he added. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Rs. 5,800 million project 'DEEP' has been launched in the province. Out of 40,000 primary schools, 1,200 are being upgraded to the middle level, he told PTV. He said, rooms would be built in 15,000 shelter less schools.

Under the DEEP project, pre-primary schools will be established. Two English Medium schools would be established in every district, he added. 1,200 teachers would be recruited on open merit from May 25 to June 30. The candidates of the same union council will be given priority, he said.

Financial incentives will be offered to teachers to improve their academic qualification. Schools Management Committees were being established in Sindh and the local communities were being involved in schools management to improve quality of education, he said. In Sindh, Secondary Education has been made free while free text books were being provided to students of primary level.

Girls students having attendance upto 22 days a month were being provided Rs. 100 per month scholarship. From the next year, girls students of Secondary level and boy students of middle level would be provided free text books, he said.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=7&date1=2004-05-19

Revision Of Curriculum, Errors In Text Books Discussed At Senate Body Meeting

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : May 19 (PNS) - The Senate Standing Committee on Education Tuesday discussed at length the issue of revision of the Curriculum the errors in the text books published by the Punjab Text Board.

The committee was meeting chaired by Senator Razina Alam Khan observed that the issue should not be looked at emotionally or politically but an objective analysis of the whole issue should be carried out. The Committee decided to set up a Sub-Committee, which would review the text books, identify the mistakes and submit its recommendations/findings to the Committee for appropriate action.

However, it was observed that the issue of deletion of material relating to ideology of Pakistan and Islam from the text books published by the Punjab Text Board is very crucial and the persons responsible must be taken to task. Minister for Education, Zubaida Jalal informed the Committee that Text Boards and private publishers submit draft text books to the Federal Ministry of Education, Curriculum Wing. These books are reviewed by a National Review Committee which prepares recommendations/observations to be followed.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=2&date1=2004-05-19

Chief Minister To Inaugurate Nursing College

LAHORE, Pakistan : May 19 (PNS) - Chief Minister Punjab, Ch Pervaiz Elahi will inaugurate the 'strengthening of emergency medical services' (SEMS), C.T.Scan and a Nursing College at Jinnah Hospital here on Wednesday, May 19.

Unfolding details of the projects, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Zahid Pervaiz told APP that upgradation of the emergency block on modern lines would cost Rs 80 million, which would include specialised medical equipment, modern operation theatres, labs, X-ray machines and allied medical services. A C.T.Scan costing Rs 17.5 million would be installed in the Radiology Ward, he added.

He said the Chief Minister had earmarked a sum of Rs one billion for the upgradation of emergency services in all leading hospital across the province, of which Rs 80 million had been set aside for Jinnah Hospital. The MS said that this would be the first Nursing College in the province, with initially 30 students with FSc qualification given admission on merit for a two-year course. Successful candidates would be inducted in the Health department under the new designation of 'Nursing Officers' in grade 17.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=1&date1=2004-05-19

'Rs 7 billion allocated for education in Punjab'

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD (May 20 2004): The Punjab Government has taken historic decisions for the promotion of education in the province to eliminate the illiteracy.

This was stated by the Provincial Minister for Tourism, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, while addressing a function, which was arranged in TMA Hall.

He said that a record amount of Rs 7 billion has been allocated in the budget for the education and this step would have salutary impact on the overall socio-economic development of the province.

He said that Punjab government has also taken a lead by declaring education free up to the level of Matriculation, while books and uniforms are also being provided up to primary level free of cost.

He said that amount allocated for the education is now being spent for improvement of educational institutions.

The minister appreciated the role of private schools in promoting education and said that private schools are performing better than government schools in quality of education, results, discip1ine and punctuality of staff etc.
He said that government schools must improve their performance and in this

Connection, the teachers of government schools should also become more responsible and efficient.

Aslam also underlined the need for new industries to create job opportunities for the educated youth.

He also asked the owners of the private schools to provide maximum facilities to the poor and deserving students.

The Chairman All Pakistan Private School Alliance (APPSA), Sadaqat Hussain Lodhi, said that private schools are working with a missionary zeal to eliminate illiteracy from Pakistan.

Earlier, the minister also presented shields and awards to the owners of the private schools in recognition of their performance.

He also administered oath to the newly elected office-bearers of the APPSA.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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Rs 1 billion released for emergency units of teaching hospitals

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE (May 20 2004): The Punjab government has released an amount of Rs 1 billion to bring improvement in the emergency units of teaching hospitals of the province.

Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said this while addressing a prize distribution ceremony held here at Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) on Wednesday.

Pervaiz maintained that an Endowment Fund of Rs 550 million has been created through which scholarships are being given to intelligent and deserving students.

Now admission would be given in medical colleges on the basis of 65 percent marks obtained in F.Sc and 35 percent marks obtained in entry test, while entry test would be finished for admission in medical colleges under a phased programme, he added.

Minister Health, Dr Tahir Ali Javed, Secretary Health Sohail Ahmad, Senior Member Board of Revenue Safdar Javed Syed, Chairman Board of Management AIMC Sibtul Hasnain Syed were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said the government has decided that a project would be evolved to carry out medical check up of students in 64,000 schools in the province. Medicines and modern facilities are being provided in all the basic health units besides ensuring presence of doctors.

Moreover, the basic health units system would be computerised, he added. With the setting up of a nursing school, a comprehensive training programme has been prepared for nursing cadre, he added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minster inaugurated the extension project of emergency medical services in Jinnah Hospital which would be completed within a period of two month at a cost of Rs 12 million. He also inaugurated CT-Scan service by pushing button. Later he visited various wards of the hospital.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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'Science syllabus being harmonised in line with global trend'

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD (May 20 2004): Punjab Science Education Centre Director Aftab Habib has said with a view to tackling the challenges of the future, the educational syllabus was being harmonised in accordance with the modern requirements and the latest global trend.

He stated this while addressing the participants of one-day science workshop held under the arrangement of Punjab Science Education Center in collaboration with the Intel Corporation at the Tahir Auditorium of Divisional Public School.

He said for the progress and promotion of the scientific knowledge, the science education project had been launched in Punjab.

The workshop was attended by about 800 students of more than 50 schools located in the rural as well urban area of the district. Planning DO Shamim Jahangir was also present on this occasion.

Aftab Habib said in the workshops which were being organised in different cities of Punjab, the students were being apprised of different steps for the preparation of research projects.

He said the talented students, having been selected at the provincial level, would participate in the national competitions of research project, adding the promising students showing their potential in these competitions would get the opportunities to go to America.

Aftab Habib urged the students while focusing their mental capabilities on research, should prepare unique and ideal projects in a comprehensive manner, adding their research standard would be adjudged by a panel of experts.

During the science workshop, the teachers and experts informed the students about preparation of research projects and different phases involved.

Aftab Habib said the second Science Education Project would be completed by June 2004 under which different scientific facilities were being providing to the selected secondary and higher secondary schools.

In Punjab, he said 70 regional training centers, 181 multi-purpose laboratories and 177 resource rooms for mathematics had been set up besides, the establishment of a Science Education Center, which would function on permanent basis, adding all these steps would prove helpful in promoting the scientific education and research work in the province.

He hoped that the advancement and progress of scientific knowledge would pave the way for developing the country in the fields of science and technology.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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National Student Convention From May 22

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : May 20 (PNS) - Higher Education Commission (HEC) will organize a three day National Student Convention here from may 22, 2004 aimed at promoting integration amongst students of the country.

The Convention, being organized in collaboration with Ministry of Education would provide the student a forum to share and exchange views. Minister in charge for science and technology, dr. Atta-ur-Rehman will in inaugurate the Convention while Minister for Education Zobaida Jalal will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Dr Atta who is also chairman of HEC has said all arrangements to hold the bilingual convention here at the Jinnah convention center have been finalized. He said the other objective of holding the convention is to prepare the students for emerging challenges and future responsibilities. one hundred and seventeen students have been selected from all the provinces. Federal areas, Azad Kashmir and Deeni Madaris to participate in the long awaited mega event.

About the selection of the students, he said it was made in declamation contacts, separately organized by provincial governments. He said for these contests all the public and private sector universities and institutions of higher learning were asked to nominate their best students for final selection.

To another question, the minister said the convention has been divided in three full sessions in which 45 best students will speak on the themes including “Enlightened moderation is the key to globalization” “Extremism is a barrier to development” and “Investment in education and essential ingredient for development”. Every session will be followed by an open discussion by all the participants. In the concluding session six top most student will speak on above mention topics and first three position holders will be awarded with prizes, he added.

He further said governors, ministers, diplomats, vice chancellors, faculty members of the university and colleges and university students leges will attend the convention. About age group of the students, Atta said it will be between 18 to 23 years and appropriate gender representation has been kept in mind in selection of the participants. All the delegates participating in the convention 2004 have confirmed their participation, said Dr. Atta, who is also a chief coordinator of the convention.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=4&date1=2004-05-20

Progress of work on medical university, women college reviewed

RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR (May 21 2004): NWFP Health Minister Inayatullah while directing further acceleration of pace of work on implementation of medical university and women medical college project has said the work for actualisation of both projects had already entered into the final phase.

He stated this while presiding over a high level meeting at the Health Secretariat here convened to review pace of work on establishment of medical university and women medical college in the province.

NWFP Additional Chief Secretary Mir Laiq Shah, Health Secretary Dr Ihsanul Haq, Medical University Project Director Dr Sahibzada Waheed, Women Medical College Project Director Dr Ziaul Islam, and representatives of finance, establishment and work and services departments attended the meeting.

While briefing the meeting about progress of the projects, the health secretary informed the meeting that charter of the Medical University was already finalised, and would be soon put before provincial Cabinet for approval.

The meeting decided to hold fortnightly meetings of the concerned quarters under chairmanship of the health secretary to properly monitor implementation activities.

Likewise, Work and Services Department assured the meeting of completing civil work of both projects within the target period.

It was also informed that medical university and women medical college would start academic activities from the coming academic session.

Speaking on the occasion, the health minister directed authorities concerned for actualisation of the mega projects as early as possible.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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Asean diplomats visit Punjab University

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE (May 21 2004): An-11 member delegation of diplomats from the Association of South East Nations (Asean), who are under training at the Foreign Services Academy in Islamabad on Thursday visited the Punjab University as part of their training.

They held a meeting with vice-chancellor of the university and were briefed on the university's research and academic activities.

Moreover, Arshad told the diplomats that new courses and departments had been launched, keeping in view the market trends, while the curricula of all disciplines had been updated.

PU had established largest IT centre of the country-College of Information and Technology, while university was the first one to conceive the idea of forming College of Banking and Finance in the province. He further stated that PU has also offered M.Phil. and regular Ph.D. programmes for further development in the education sector. He disclosed that the university is planning to introduce Chinese, Japanese, Spanish language classes while it is already offering courses in Arabic, French and Kashmiri language.

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Technical and vocational training institutes to be activated in Punjab

RECORDER REPORT

SIALKOT (May 21 2004): Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) has chalked out a detailed programme for activating the technical and vocational training institutes in Punjab.

Official sources told Business Recorder here on Thursday that the step has been taken for producing large number of skilled and trained force for industrial sector of the province.

Under the programme, a surgical training school would be established at Sialkot, which is the hub of manufacturing of surgical instruments.

The step is being taken for providing skilled workforce for capacity building and upgradation of surgical industry of Sialkot enabling it to cope and compete with the global market easily.

Similarly, a pottery-training institute with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank would be established near Lahore for tracking the industry on modern and scientific lines.

The TEVTA and surgical industry of Sialkot would jointly prepare the curriculum for training. The curriculum would be prepared according to the modern trends and needs of surgical industry of Sialkot.

It may be mentioned that the total export of surgical instruments is approximately 150 million dollars against the quantity of about 100 million instruments per annum.

As many as 1,200 small and medium surgical units are functioning in and close to Sialkot and over 60,000 workers are attached with the surgical industry.

The average price of an instrument is 1.24 dollars, which is the lowest in the world, whereas the average price of German made instrument is about 18 dollars. Due to the low cost of local made surgical instruments, the surgical industry is enjoying monopolistic position globally.

Apart from this, Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority had formulated a strategy for producing maximum technical hands and trained industrial force in various trade fields. At present, 402 training schools are functioning successfully in different areas of the province.

The induction of trained and skilled manpower in industrial sector would not only accelerate the productivity but also help improve the standard of the products.

The TEVTA has also given its special attention on activating the training institutions and replacement of outmoded machinery from the institutions on top priority basis.

WOMEN TRAINING: In addition to this, appropriate steps have also been taken for upgrading women training schools in the province.

Several new courses according to the modern trends have also been introduced, like cooking, beautician, secretarial and telephone operators training for the womenfolk in vocational training schools.

The step has been taken to enable the womenfolk to start their own business and earn livelihood in a respectable way, sources added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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Zero Waste Pakistan campaign draws students' attention

LAHORE (May 21 2004): The WWF-Pakistan has registered 60 private schools and 25 government schools under its "Zero Waste Pakistan" campaign launched earlier to promote recycling and segregation of waste.

The campaign is being held in collaboration with Waste Busters and City District Government Lahore-Environment Department.

The campaign aims at the promotion of waste segregation activities and recycling among school children ranging from ages 8 up to 16.

According to a press release, a meeting was held at the WWF - Pakistan Head Office, here on Thursday, which was attended by principals, teachers and students of various private schools.

They were briefed about the progress of the schools vis-à-vis the "Zero Waste" campaign. They were briefed about future activities planned under the campaign.

The schools which took an active part in the campaign so far received appreciation certificates by Hammad Naqi Khan, Director of Freshwater and Toxics Programmes at WWF-P and Chairman of Waste Busters Asif Farooki.

The campaign has received a good response from some of the leading private school systems in Lahore, it was said.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
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Rs 12.782 billion sought for education in next fiscal

NAVEED SIDDIQIUI

ISLAMABAD (May 22 2004): Focusing on measures to improve literacy rate, the Ministry of Education has allocated over Rs 12.782 billion for next fiscal, an increase of 600 percent to Rs 2.65 billion last year, Business Recorder reliably learnt on Friday.

Education For All (EFA), Education Sector Reforms (ESR) and Primary Education sectors will get over Rs 5.172 billion in the next budget, source said.

However, source said that Ministry has planned to allocate over Rs 2.657 billion for improving the secondary education and facilitate technical education in all the provinces.

The foreign donors have also pledged about Rs 5 billion for initiating various pilot projects for broadening the base of improving quality of education and training in Pakistan, source added. According to sources, the Ministry has planned about 48 development projects for primary and higher education.

However the ministry has sought Rs 2 billion for reforms in 'Deeni Madaris' out of total PSDP allocations, well placed sources maintained.

According to the summary of proposed Public Sector Development Programme 2004-2005, the Ministry of Education has demanded Rs 5172.712 million for elementary education that includes (EFA Normal (2481.867 million), EFA-ESR (2600 million) and primary education (90.845 million).

The Ministry has laid more emphasis on the improvement of technical education, as it has demanded Rs 1169.090 million as compared to Rs 357.505 million in 2003-4.

Experts in the Education Ministry has focussed on the major areas that were ignored or given less importance in the outgoing year's PSDP budget as Rs 809.325 million have been proposed for College Education, which previously was Rs 118.363 million.

Again, the demand for scholarship budget has almost been doubled (Rs 219.946 million) from Rs 109.643 million last year.

During the year 2003-2004, the teachers community remained annoyed with the Ministry as Rs 97.823 million were allocated for their training, the sources said adding that this year, the education planners have proposed a considerable raise in this sector and an amount of around Rs 3 billion has been demanded to improve the teachers ability.

For quality assurance/capacity building, an amount of Rs 281.530 million have been demanded while for libraries, literature and books Rs 46.567 million, and for miscellaneous purposes Rs 154.335 million been proposed by the Ministry of Education.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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Not too concerned about post-secondary education in Pakistan. I'm more worried about the "grassroots"; that desperatly needs money!

Government to enhance education budget: National Assembly Speaker

RECORDER REPORT

SIALKOT (May 23 2004): Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Amir Hussain has said that government is considering to enhance allocation for education in forthcoming budget aimed at ensuring maximum education facilities at gross root level in the country.

Speaking as chief guest at an education conference held under the auspices of Punjab Teachers Union here on Saturday evening he said that present regime has focused its special attention on the promotion of education for enhancing literacy rate in the country.

The Punjab government he said was utilising huge funds on education sector and free education up to matriculation while free textbooks up to fifth class were being provided to the students in the Punjab.

Chaudhry Amir was of the opinion that despite lack of facilities, the government controlled educational institutions were producing excellent results in boards and universities examinations in the country.

The federal and provincial governments were making adequate efforts for resolving the teacher's problems on top priority basis, he said. The National Assembly Speaker assured the teachers that all means and modes would be utilised for resolving their economic problems enabling them to play their instrumental role in the promotion of education in the country.

Chaudhry Amir called upon the teacher's community that they should fulfil their responsibilities with missionary zeal and devotion not only for the promotion of education but also character building of the younger generation.

On this occasion he lauded the efforts of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry for enrolling 100 percent children between 5-7 year of age into primary schools in Sialkot district.

Chaudhry Amir Hussain also praises the services of business community of Sialkot weeding out child labour from soccer ball industry and it is heartening to note that children are now going to schools.

He stressed upon the teacher's community that they should work for edging out the tendency of dropout children from schools for maintaining 100 percent enrolment in all parts of the country.

While addressing the conference Tehsil Nazim Sialkot Muhammad Akmal Cheema assured that full co-operation would be extended by Sialkot municipal administration for resolving the problems of teacher's community of Sialkot.

Addressing the conference Central President Punjab Teachers Union Raja Zafeer Ahmad Satti demanded the elimination of classified education system for the real promotion of education in the country.

The classified education system was the main hindrance in the promotion of education and its advancement in the country, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
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All provinces satisfied over present curriculum: minister

ISLAMABAD (May 23 2004): All the provinces have expressed their satisfaction on present curriculum and said that there was no objectionable material in it about Islam and Ideology of Pakistan.

This was stated at a meeting of National Review Committee on Curriculum and Text Books held here on Saturday.

It was presided over by the Federal Education Minister Mrs Zubeda Jalal. The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was also present in the meeting.

Mrs. Zubeda Jalal speaking on the occasion said the government firmly believes in the Ideology of Pakistan and Islamic values and the curriculum has been prepared keeping in view the Ideology of Pakistan and Islamic teachings.

She said that all Provincial Text Book Boards have been directed to ratify the errors immediately and make arrangements to publish error-free text books.

The minister said that Punjab Text Board has admitted that some mistakes have been occurred during the publication of the text books and the Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has ordered an inquiry in this regard.

She said that action will be taken against those responsible in the light of the inquiry report.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid said that all the provincial Text Book Boards should ensure the availability of error-free book in the market two months before the start of education year.

He said action should be taken against the responsible people.

Copyright Pakistan Press International, 2004

Punjab chief minister announces upgradation of all middle schools

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE (May 23 2004): Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has announced up-gradation of all middle schools of the province up to the matric level.

While addressing the columnists of national press here on Saturday, he apprised them about his educational programme.

He stated that Rs two billion are being allocated in upcoming provincial budget for this purpose.

He also announced that after three-year, education would be made compulsory in order to achieve the goal of 100 percent literacy rate and the parents, who do not send their children to schools, would be awarded punishment.

Highlighting the details of government's steps being taken to enhance literacy rate and improve the quality of education in the province, he said that the government not only introducing revolutionary changes in primary education, but also providing attractive benefits to students having less resources, in professional colleges, for which Rs 550 million have been earmarked to be utilised for meeting the educational expenses of students, including hostel dues.

About the reorganisation of Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) he said that the government has decided to spend 70 percent funds of the foundation on backward and rural areas.

He wished to make teaching profession the most honourable so as to attract competent persons in the sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

Teachers training workshop

ISLAMABAD (May 23 2004): The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) is collaborating with National Productivity Organisation (NPO) and All Pakistan Private School Owners Association (APPSOA) to organise a training workshop on "Quality and Productivity Importance in Educational Sector" on May 26 at a local hotel.

The training programme is to acquaint the teachers and staff of public and private sector institutions with modern principles and techniques to impart quality education and to bring education system at par with international standards.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

Tourist hut, community learning centre set up in Chitral

ISLAMABAD (May 23 2004): A "Tourist Hut" and "Community Learning Centre" have been set up in Chitral to promote tourism and raise awareness among masses on the environmental issues.

European Union (EU) delegation's head Ambassador Ilkka Uusitaio inaugurated the projects, including "Tourist hut" constructed with the support of European Commission, during his visit to Golain valley in Chitral area on Friday.

He also attended the meeting of Valley Conservation Committee, consisting of members from every village in each valley, and constituted by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Pakistan WWF Field Officer Altaf Hussain briefed the visiting Ambassador on various projects like environmental education programme, Mountain Areas Conservancy Project (MACP), snow leopard conservation project, protected areas management project and Chitral Gol National Park.

Ilkka appreciated the co-ordination of the EU funded projects in Chitral as well as efforts of executing agencies like WWF.

The Ambassador stressed the need for education and skill development of local women and praised the role of local community for bio-diversity conservation.

He urged them to continue efforts for protecting the scenic-beauty of the area as well as natural resources in the area.

During his visit to Chitral Gol National Park for sighting of Markhor, Ambassador Ilkka discussed with park authorities and appreciated their initiatives for conserving wild animals and urged continued efforts for bio diversity conservation.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004
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3-Day Student Convention Begins In Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : May 23 (PNS) - The first ever three day Student Convention began in Islamabad on Monday to involve students in policy-making to promote education.

Inaugurating the covnention, the Minister-Incharge for Science and Technology, Dr.Atta-ur-Rehman said the governemnt is determined to make an education policy which can help the nation meet future challenges.

Source

Setting up of NAC in schools suggested

By our correspondent

KARACHI: The Pakistan Paediatrics Association (PPA) on Saturday suggested local schools to create a nutrition advisory council (NAC) to develop nutrition policies for school-goers.

The PPA believed that a combination of parents, community and school officials, food service representatives, physicians and school nurses and other health care professionals would help schools draw the formation of the proposed nutrition advisory council.

"Over consumption is a common problem among children today," Prof Iqbal Memon, the PPA secretary said in his public health service message.

The policy statement of American Academy of Paediatricians (AAP) cites calcium deficiency osteoporosis, fractures, dental caries and enamel erosion as potential health risks associated with soft drink consumption, especially when soda replaces healthier drinks.

According to the PPA message, each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 kilocalories. "Paediatricians are encouraged to suggest healthy alternatives such as 100 per cent fruit juice, milk and water specially for school-goers."

Dr Memon said that the paediatricians should educate school officials about the negative health ramifications of selling soft drinks in schools and help them make healthier decisions for students, as recommended through a new policy statement from the American Academy of Paediatricians.

"The recommendations state that soft drinks should not be sold during school lunch hours; vending machines should not be placed in the cafeteria; soft drinks and fruit-flavoured drinks should not be sold in elementary schools," the PPA message quoted from the AAP recommendations.

Jang News

PMA launches website for medical students

By our correspondent

KARACHI: A collaborative of two medical and engineering students yielded a wonderful online product for medical students, who can log on to the very digital platform, which harbours a digital learning resources besides offering an e-testing service for self-assessment.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi chapter hosted a launching ceremony of the very educational website-www.medinbytes.com- for the undergraduate and postgraduate medical students at the PMA House on Saturday. Prof Syed Tipu Sultan, Dean Faculty of Medicine, University of Karachi, chaired the event.

If you have to prepare yourself for physiology or anatomy you can opt for a time-bound electronic testing or just e-testing. Get your Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) as you answer each one. Don’t go away, because you will be judged within minutes with a prompt result. You can review the test you’re done with to know eye-popping wrong answers.

Aiming to impart ‘free medical’ education to the country’s medicos, the developers of the learning website, Maimoona Azhar Salim of Dow Medical College and Javed Azhar Khan of NED University of Engineering and Technology introduced their brainchild to the medical professionals.

Maimoona, 4th year student medico, and her computer science counterpart from the prestigious NED University, Javed Aziz Khan, described their creation as a ‘digital platform’ saying it harbours a digital learning resource centre and an e-testing service to facilitate medical students and make their learning effective.

According to Maimoona, the website is the first of its kind on the World Wide Web, developed on the latest technology brand known as Microsoft.Net. She said that the website would be made to have features of accessibility on mobile devices in future.

The website is loaded with some of teaching procedures available in video streams of different operative procedures such as of cataract allowing students to refresh their learnt skills for viva voce.

"Medinbytes intends to promote medical e-learning by providing a self-assessment opportunity to both undergraduates and postgraduate students," Javed wised up while introducing the salient features of the website.

"The PMA will support whole-heartedly and make sure that every medical student in every medical college in country will know about this website," Dr Sajjad said after announcing that the launch of the website.

Jang News

Punjab to bear education expenses up to graduate and post-graduate

RECORDER REPORT

MULTAN (May 24 2004): The Punjab government has decided to bear expenditures of education up to graduate and post graduate level to the top position holder students which are being monitored and each education board has been directed to prepare lists of students of such category to provide them free education at higher levels.

Punjab Minister for Education Imran Masud stated this in his talking with journalists on the inauguration of Kutchery road Women Degree College's Amina hostel on Sunday.

The minister said that Rs 500 million special fund has been allocated for this purpose for releasing stipend to capable and intelligent students.

The minister said that about 20 percent increase has been made in schools development expenditures which reached at Rs 21 billion from Rs 1 billion and this fund would spend in three years.

He said the forthcoming budget would give the finance authority to the principals of colleges for hiring teachers from the market to combat with educators' shortage besides empowering them to directly recruit class IV employees including peons etc.

The minister allowed for launching of postgraduate classes at colleges' level and ordered the Kutchery road women Degree College for immediate commencement of postgraduate classes with out delay.

He said college of arts and Home Economics College being established in Multan while the funds for establishment of new university in Dera Ghazi Khan would release in the forthcoming budget.

The present government has focused on South Punjab to develop literacy rate and released Rs 150 million to each district while Rs 150 million would be released following next fiscal budget to promote education at grass root level, said minister.

To a question, the minister said that shortage of syllabus has been removed in all the four provinces including removal of objections. He said the curriculum staff is being enhanced in all the four provinces for creation of new books and restructuring of Punjab Text Book Board was under process.

About 15,000 new teachers would be recruited besides providing most modern education training to years old primary teachers to promote education on new
pattern. He contradicted about any sort of connection with Agha Khan Foundation and governments' constituted boards were designing policy for the future of students.

Multan district Nazim Riaz Hussein Qureshi said the government should induct policy for the welfare of teachers. He asked the minister for allocation of special funds for female teachers serving far-flung areas to provide them residence facilities.

He said the college principal Sanjeeda Sajjid has served for a long time in the college but remained fail in improving the structure of college hall and the district government would improve the college hall.

The district Nazim said at least 9,000 girls students were studying in the college under very limited space while the district government had established four classrooms into provide swift space for getting education.

The college principal threw light on the history of college while numbers of dignitaries were present on the occasion including BZU vice chancellor Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, DCO Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, city Nazim Mian Faisal Mukhtar, MPA Perveen Gul, BISE chairman Rehmatullah Soori, EDO education Nazir Ahmed Chaudhry and others.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

'Revolutionary steps taken for welfare of special persons'

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD (May 24 2004): Provincial Minister for Special Education, Miss Qudsia Lodhi has said that for the education and rehabilitation of special children the institutions of special education would be set up at each Tehsil headquarter of the province under a phased programme, where the facilities of education and training would be made available for the special children under one roof.

She stated this while addressing the inaugural function of a school for the blind children at Jaranwala. MPA Dr Tasneem Rasheed, Tehsil Nazim Major Rana Abdul Rehman (Retd), Union Nazims, social workers and elite of the area were also present on this occasion.

Minister said that the present government was taking revolutionary steps for the welfare and betterment of special persons.

She said that for the first time in the history of the country top priority had been given to the promotion of special education so that special children could be enabled to play an active role in the national development by teaching them about knowledge and crafts and making them confident citizens of our society.

Appreciating the sense of responsibility of the society about the education and rehabilitation of the special children.

She said that the NGOs working in this particular field were taking part in the noble deed by shouldering the responsibilities of the government.

She also lauded the deep interest being taken by Tehsil Nazim Major Rana Abdul Rehman (Retd) for the development of Tehsil Jaranwala, promotion of special education and exemplary co-operation extended for the establishment of an organisation for the education of blind children.

Dr Tasneem Rasheed said that provincial government had taken a large number of revolutionary steps in health, education, agriculture and other fields of life a quick and accelerated progress, the example of which was not available in the past.

Shedding light over different development projects and developmental strategy of the future, Rana Abdul Rehman said that no stone would be left unturned regarding the provision of necessary educational as well as medical facilities to the special children.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

NWFP Governor approves construction of BISE new building

PESHAWAR, May 22 (Online): The NWFP Governor Lt. Gen. ® Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has approved a project for construction of the new Building of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Malakand at Chakdara in Lower Dir which is expected to cost about Rs.50 million .

Presiding over a briefing in this connection at Governor's House here on Saturday, the governor desired that the work on the project should be started without any further delay. Suggesting certain amendments in the design the governor however desired that since the basic aim to construct the new building is to facilitate the candidates of the examinations therefore every aspect of the project should be engineered to enable it to fulfil this very purpose. Similarly, he added, the new building should also have the quality to provide safety to the users; keeping in view the prevailing climatic conditions as well as cultural values of the area. Talking on a point the governor also desired that the implementation must be in accordance with the approved master planning of the project. However, he added, construction process should be phased out in a way so as it could be completed; keeping in view the nature of requirements. Brig.® Abdul Ghafoor, Chairman of the Board while briefing the Governor on this occasion said that they had sufficient amount at their disposal and the documentation process particularly with regard to the pre-qualifications of the contractors is almost complete. He also hoped that the practical work on the project will be launched by mid of next month. Additional Secretary to Governor Sikandar Qayyum and the Chairman of the Board Brig. ® Fazal Ghafoor also attended the meeting beside others .

Source

Uniform Syllabus To Be Introduced In Federal Schools: Dr.Atta

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : May 25 (PNS) - Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr.Atta-ur-Rehman has expressed the hope that uniform syllabus in all federal schools would be introduced soon.

Speaking in a PTV programme, he said, project to introduce uniform syllabus in federal schools has already been approved. Dr. Atta said, introduction of uniform syllabus will help fullfil the demand of masses to remove difference between rich and poor in getting education. Revolutionary changes will be witnessed in the education sector within next five to ten years, in the country he added.

He said, many projects have been initiated for the uplift of education sector. The Chairman said, the country is also offering handsome salaries to highly qualified Pakistanis living abroad if they come back to teach in country's educational institutions.

The salary of highly qualified faculty members will be four times more than a federal minister, he added. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman informed that teachers have been appointed on salary of Rs. 125,000 in four universities, while in remaining institutions qualified faculty members will be appointed soon.

Source

nice stuff. education is the future

Centre may allocate Rs 9 billion for NWFP higher education: governor

RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR (May 27 2004): NWFP Governor Lieutenant General Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah (Retd) has hinted the intention of the federal government to allocate Rs 9 billion for the promotion of higher education in the national budget, which is almost double of prevailing allocations of Rs 5 billion.

Addressing as the chief guest at the seventh Convocation of Preston University (Peshawar campus) here on Wednesday, the governor said the present government is fully conscious to the fact and the handsome allocations being made in this respect are the clear depiction of its sincerity and keenness in this connection. Nothing, but planned and adequate investment in human capital, he added, can guarantee economic, social and political development of the country.

In fact, he said, the success of any nation lies in the educated and professionally trained human resource.

The ceremony was also addressed by Chancellor Dr Abdul Basit, Executive Vice President Dr Abdul Hamid, and Director Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hassan.

In all, 200 graduates were awarded degrees in BBA, MBA and MS whereas 15 students bagged gold medals for getting distinctions in various disciplines.

The NEFP governor said there has been a growing realisation, particularly during the past four years to make the education accessible to the people belonging to every strata of the society and the higher education has received significant importance in terms of support from the government and growth in this sector has also been phenomenal.

Simultaneously, he remarked, the quality of education is also being focused and the involvement of the private sector is also being considered imperative in this respect.

During the past one decade, he said, the growth of institutions of higher learning in the private sector has also remained significant. In fact, he said, various institutions in the private sector have even achieved the distinction of imparting quality education at the national level, and the Preston University is also one of them.

The governor said the most important aspect of the reality is that it continues to make to provide quality higher education to the citizens of this country at a very reasonable and affordable cost.

No doubt, he said, as elsewhere in the country, the Preston University's Peshawar Campus has played a pivotal role in providing higher education opportunities not only to the residents of Peshawar, but also to the inhabitants of the cities situated in its approximately.

Keeping this fact in mind, he said the NWFP government conferred a university charter on t5he Preston University in November 2002.

He also expressed the confidence that under the dynamic leadership of Dr Abdul Basit the university would succeed in attaining its ambition to become a centre of excellence in the private sector.

Congratulating the graduating students that it was due to their untiring and dedicated efforts which have made it possible for them to witness this day.

Addressing on this occasion, Professor Dr Abdul Basit paid rich tributes to the services being rendered by the NWFP governor for the promotion of education. He described his patronage to the private educational institutions as one of the most important initiative.

Talking about their achievements, he said they started in 1984 and now they had 11 campuses with almost 6,000 students studying in various disciplines in 10 cities of the country, and in this province; Kohat has been chosen for the establishment of their principal seat of learning.

Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hassan while welcoming the guests, said they had made it sure that not a single eligible candidate aspiring to join this university is denied admission. He also highlighted the curricular as well as extra-curricular activities of their institution.

Earlier, the NWFP governor awarded degrees and medals to the graduating students. Air Commodore Shakeel Parvaiz, Colonel Ashfaque Ahmad Malik, Ms Fauzia Zaman, Ms Palwasha Bukht, Mustafa Khan, Asim Wazir, Abdul Hameed, Wasir Altaf, S.M. Rashid Bukhari, Ponam Ayaz, Mohammad Awais Qazi, Zia-ur-Rehman, Patiyal Khan Gorzang and Ms Hinna Hamayoun bagged gold medals.

Amongst the teachers, shields were also given to Professor Dr Ali Ahmad, Masud Arif, Ms Uzma Ayaz, and Ms Sara Safdar for their extra-ordinary performance as well.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

This is all good but still peanuts so read on if you care… By the way, just my two cents after some basic research. Pakistan's public education system has suffered from neglect and politicization ever since its existence. The overall adult literacy rate for the population above the age of 15 is approximately 43.5%, while for instance the rates for Sri Lanka are 92%. Female literacy rates in Pakistan are particularly a shambles, standing at roughly 32%. Barely 10% of children complete 12 years of schooling. With a population growth rate well over 2%, Pakistan is set to add another 100 million people to its current population of roughly 155 million over the next 25 years. About half of this population will be under the age of 18. These demographic trends demand that Pakistan implement significant reforms to its education system and raise literacy rates and skill levels so that these young people can play a productive role in the future economy.

The World Bank and numeral other donor agencies spent billions of dollars on a "Social Action Program" for Pakistan during the late 1980s through the 1990s. After a decade, the program failed to achieve mere basic objectives such as increasing school enrollment rates at the primary level and bringing education to remote parts of the country. The program failed because it did not address problems such as corruption and inefficiency within the Pakistani education bureaucracy.

Pakistan needs to firstly get rid of the endemic corrupt education bureaucracy system that has been in place for decades. This has according to many reports led to the phenomenon of "ghost schools," i.e. teachers not showing up to teach classes but only to collect their paychecks. A massive reform is required in which transparency, efficiency and rigid check and balances are vital. Donor agencies that have been supporting Pakistan's education sector in the past few decades demonstrate that sole financial support isn't sufficient for bringing about positive transformation. In fact, until the corrupt educational system remains intact it will only serve as an obstacle. Secondly, the GoP needs to drastically up the GDP allocation for the educational sector, which currently is pathetically underfinanced. Let's not forget that Pakistan is a country that hasn't even managed to raise the education budget to a mere 4% of GDP in line with United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization recommendations. Of course there may be an improvement as compared to previous years and governments, but still gravely insufficient and thus pitiable. The number of primary, middle, and high schools need to increase significantly in order to be able to fulfill the demand. Also the private sector needs to be involved heavily in promoting high quality education throughout the country.

Pakistan needs not only to increase funds for educational reform, but also collaborate on education projects with developed countries such as South Korea, Japan, China etc. I know such initiatives have been taking place in the past and still are, but it requires absolute dedication. The GoP needs to prioritize the educational system as high if not preferably higher than our already well-established military institute. While helping to train more quality teachers, the GoP needs to encourage and even require systematic reform of public education in order to increase literacy rate, enrollment rates thus decrease the dismal dropout rates.

Another imperative yet overlooked part of the Pakistani educational system is the Islamic madrassa. Although, according to a study only 1% accounts to overall madrassa enrollment the GoP needs to constantly regulate and monitor this percentage. The curriculum of the madrassa's also requires massive changes. Other than the Islamic or Quranic studies the madrassa's ought to have a compulsory secular education (English, math, computer science, economics, political science, law etc.) Action needs to be taken against any noncompliant madrassa's. We need to produce 21st century Islamic scholars that can understand and deliver on the needs of the moderate society. Perhaps the Turkish Islamic academic model can provide any assistance to Pakistani madrassa's. Pakistani government ought to reform, but accept the mainstream traditional madrassa's that do tend to serve a useful purpose in educating Islamic scholars, providing shelter and food for the impoverished society. Unfortunately, the madrassa's have taken over the role of the social welfare institute that primarily the GoP is accountable for. The madrassa's that represent a threat and preach anti-Western doctrine, intolerance, sectarianism, pan-Islamic and violent ideologies ought to be scrutinized and closed down. The in and outflow of voluntary charity, foreign and governmental financing of these madrassa's need to be controlled. Also the in out flux of foreign students in the madrassa's need to be restricted. The GoP needs to assert greater influence and authority over the madrassa's so that no one can undermine the rule of law.

To conclude, all the initiatives need to be implemented countrywide (especially rural FATA areas, Baluchistan and Sindh) so that consistent and sustained educational reform can be ensured. The current GoP under the rule of Mushy has initiated a few goodwill projects but never followed on. We need leadership that's sincerely committed in the long-term. After all, the development of a strong and effective education system will not only bring about economic benefits, but also stability, tolerance and moderation. Education should be absolute top priority!!!