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Thursday, September 12, 2013
International Literacy Day celebrationsDialogue for teachers’ union reforms
KARACHI: To mark the International Literacy Day 2013, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) and United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) joined hands to organise a dialogue on the role of teacher unions in promoting education at the AKU IED on Wednesday.
Saba Ishrat, Regional Manager Sindh – ITA began with the session and urged for an “education emergency” in Pakistan, calling for strong measures to be taken in order to resolve the present crises. “Article 25-A of the Constitution on education should be implemented in full force,” she said.
Kazi Ayaz Mahessar from UNESCO advocated girls’ education in Pakistan, as a majority among the children out of school are girls. He also highlighted the non-availability of teachers in schools - a matter of great importance, which needs urgent attention. “UNESCO will always be there to achieve the goals pertaining to education and its betterment in Pakistan,” asserted Mahessar.
Chairman Peak Private Schools Association Haider Ali quoted from ASER regarding missing facilities in schools in terms of water, ceilings and washrooms. He also asked teacher unions to come forward and play their role in terms of capacity building of their fraternity.
The event ended with Dr Arif Alvi’s speech who gave his suggestions for improvement of literacy rate in Pakistan. “Article 25-A needs a well-defined strategy and dedication in order to achieve its goals.”
He also took a pledge to take all necessary measures to make NA-250 an ideal constituency. “It’s not the money that matters, but it is the passion that brings about a major change. PPI
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk