With the compliments of
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
No.99201390
No.4069/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 30:
The Officers of the Punjab Education Foundation, who earlier volunteered to the Punjab Government for the flood relief duties, have completed their duty-term and resumed their office work.
Spokesman of the Punjab Education Foundation stated this here today.
According to the spokesman, Hameed Ullah Rafi, Zahid Iqbal and Jawad Naseem performed volunteer work in flood hit areas of Muzaffar Garh and help distributed relief goods there. Likewise, two female Officers of the PEF also worked with a relief camp in Lahore.
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Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
DFID shows interest in restoring of flood affected PEF schools
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
DFID shows interest in restoring of flood affected PEF schools
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
DFID shows interest in restoring of flood affected PEF schools
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
DFID shows interest in restoring of flood affected PEF schools
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
DFID shows interest in restoring of flood affected PEF schools
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 4011/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 27:
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom has shown interest in the rehabilitation of the flood affected schools of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) which have been badly hit by the recent flood-torrents in the Southern Punjab.
In this regard, a two member delegation of DFID-Pakistan comprising of Senior Human Development Advisor Dr. Philip Powell-Davies and Education Advisor Javed A. Malik today visited Punjab Education Foundation head office and held detailed discussions with the Managing Director Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.
The participants reviewed in depth the effect of public private partnership on the poor communities in Punjab including its ensuing socio-economic impacts. The meeting agreed that PEF has emerged as the vibrant model of public private partnership which helped in free education of the poor children. The meeting expressed the satisfaction that PEF is especially encouraging girls’ education and 50 percent of partner school students are female. PEF has also arranged intermediate level education for girl students in Lahore, Khushab and Bahawalpur where partner higher secondary schools are provided Rs. 500 for Arts and Rs. 700 for Science students as monthly fee. However, the financial assistance to the recipient schools is linked with the satisfactory performance of the schools in biannually held Quality Assurance Tests.
On the occasion, MD-PEF Mr. Wani informed the delegation that according to initial estimates, 156 partner schools are reportedly affected by the recent floods in Southern Punjab, adding that PEF is going to launch detailed survey of its partner schools in the flood affected districts so that complete extent of damages could be calculated.
Mr. Wani further informed the delegation that PEF is accountable for using taxpayers’ money as it is regularly audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and has to be adherent with the strict quality control and monitoring and evaluation standards of the Government. PEF has its double check system in shape of internal auditors besides holding of external audit which is conducted annually, he told.
Public funds are the sacred trust and PEF, being the custodian of tax payers’ money, ensures that every penny is used for promoting education in the poor strata, he concluded.
***********
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Punjab Govt. is committed to marooned people’s rehabilitation—Nadeem Kamran
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3981/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 25:
Provincial Minister for Zakat and Usher, Malik Nadeem Kamran has said that relief operation of the Punjab Government will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee, adding that every penny will be spent on the flood relief efforts so that affectees could start a new phase of life with ease.
He was talking to flood affectees at different flood relief camps in Muzaffargarh. The Minister, during his visit of the flood affected district of Muzaffargarh, inspected different relief camps set up in Daira Din Pannah, Sannawah, and other localities and enquired about the provision of essential items to the displaced people. He directed to the district admin to spare no efforts to help the distressed people.
He also distributed 1000 flour bags of 10kg each among the marooned families, besides giving them 1000 bags containing necessary items of daily use & clothes.
On the occasion, he assured to the people that Punjab Government is utilizing all out resources to help the people in distress. The Minister said that besides providing food and shelter to the people, free medicines and vaccination is also arranged for them.
*******
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3981/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 25:
Provincial Minister for Zakat and Usher, Malik Nadeem Kamran has said that relief operation of the Punjab Government will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee, adding that every penny will be spent on the flood relief efforts so that affectees could start a new phase of life with ease.
He was talking to flood affectees at different flood relief camps in Muzaffargarh. The Minister, during his visit of the flood affected district of Muzaffargarh, inspected different relief camps set up in Daira Din Pannah, Sannawah, and other localities and enquired about the provision of essential items to the displaced people. He directed to the district admin to spare no efforts to help the distressed people.
He also distributed 1000 flour bags of 10kg each among the marooned families, besides giving them 1000 bags containing necessary items of daily use & clothes.
On the occasion, he assured to the people that Punjab Government is utilizing all out resources to help the people in distress. The Minister said that besides providing food and shelter to the people, free medicines and vaccination is also arranged for them.
*******
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3982/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Administration in Muzaffargarh has setup 40 relief camps for the rescue and shelter of flood affectees. As many as 50,000 displaced persons are provided shelter and their other needs including food and medicines are also being met by the Administration.
This was stated in a meeting of departmental heads of different departments which held in the DCO office Muzaffargarh on Thursday with DCO Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal in the chair. The meeting held a detailed review of the affectees’ rehabilitation measures taken by the district administration in collaboration with the philanthropists/ NGOs.
The EDO (Health) told that ORS packets are being regularly provided to the families for their children’s use besides arranging lady doctors for the female patients. The Health Department has vaccinated as many as one lakh and 50 thousand people and all the affectees are being provided free medicines as well. He further told that two spray machines have been arranged to spray at the Union Council Level. The meeting was informed that mineral water was also arranged to ward off gastro. The meeting was apprised that three latest filter plants are soon going to be installed in different tehsils for providing clean drinking water besides installation of 100 hand- pumps by Public Health Engineering Department.
Addressing the meeting, DCO Farasat Iqbal asked the department heads to expedite the relief activities and maintain complete coordination for affectees’ welfare.
**************
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3982/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Administration in Muzaffargarh has setup 40 relief camps for the rescue and shelter of flood affectees. As many as 50,000 displaced persons are provided shelter and their other needs including food and medicines are also being met by the Administration.
This was stated in a meeting of departmental heads of different departments which held in the DCO office Muzaffargarh on Thursday with DCO Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal in the chair. The meeting held a detailed review of the affectees’ rehabilitation measures taken by the district administration in collaboration with the philanthropists/ NGOs.
The EDO (Health) told that ORS packets are being regularly provided to the families for their children’s use besides arranging lady doctors for the female patients. The Health Department has vaccinated as many as one lakh and 50 thousand people and all the affectees are being provided free medicines as well. He further told that two spray machines have been arranged to spray at the Union Council Level. The meeting was informed that mineral water was also arranged to ward off gastro. The meeting was apprised that three latest filter plants are soon going to be installed in different tehsils for providing clean drinking water besides installation of 100 hand- pumps by Public Health Engineering Department.
Addressing the meeting, DCO Farasat Iqbal asked the department heads to expedite the relief activities and maintain complete coordination for affectees’ welfare.
**************
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3982/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Administration in Muzaffargarh has setup 40 relief camps for the rescue and shelter of flood affectees. As many as 50,000 displaced persons are provided shelter and their other needs including food and medicines are also being met by the Administration.
This was stated in a meeting of departmental heads of different departments which held in the DCO office Muzaffargarh on Thursday with DCO Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal in the chair. The meeting held a detailed review of the affectees’ rehabilitation measures taken by the district administration in collaboration with the philanthropists/ NGOs.
The EDO (Health) told that ORS packets are being regularly provided to the families for their children’s use besides arranging lady doctors for the female patients. The Health Department has vaccinated as many as one lakh and 50 thousand people and all the affectees are being provided free medicines as well. He further told that two spray machines have been arranged to spray at the Union Council Level. The meeting was informed that mineral water was also arranged to ward off gastro. The meeting was apprised that three latest filter plants are soon going to be installed in different tehsils for providing clean drinking water besides installation of 100 hand- pumps by Public Health Engineering Department.
Addressing the meeting, DCO Farasat Iqbal asked the department heads to expedite the relief activities and maintain complete coordination for affectees’ welfare.
**************
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3982/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Administration in Muzaffargarh has setup 40 relief camps for the rescue and shelter of flood affectees. As many as 50,000 displaced persons are provided shelter and their other needs including food and medicines are also being met by the Administration.
This was stated in a meeting of departmental heads of different departments which held in the DCO office Muzaffargarh on Thursday with DCO Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal in the chair. The meeting held a detailed review of the affectees’ rehabilitation measures taken by the district administration in collaboration with the philanthropists/ NGOs.
The EDO (Health) told that ORS packets are being regularly provided to the families for their children’s use besides arranging lady doctors for the female patients. The Health Department has vaccinated as many as one lakh and 50 thousand people and all the affectees are being provided free medicines as well. He further told that two spray machines have been arranged to spray at the Union Council Level. The meeting was informed that mineral water was also arranged to ward off gastro. The meeting was apprised that three latest filter plants are soon going to be installed in different tehsils for providing clean drinking water besides installation of 100 hand- pumps by Public Health Engineering Department.
Addressing the meeting, DCO Farasat Iqbal asked the department heads to expedite the relief activities and maintain complete coordination for affectees’ welfare.
**************
Result of 7th EVS QAT announced by PEF
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3983/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has announced the result of 7th Quality Assurance Test (QAT) of Education Voucher Scheme (EVS).
According to the results, 67 schools of Lahore took part in the said exam and out of them, 57 (87%) went through it. The PEF has displayed the detailed result at its website www.pef.edu.pk for the information of the partner schools.
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No: 3990/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Joined Flood Assessment Survey in Muzaffargarh
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Coordination Officer (DCO) Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal has disclosed that the flood assessment survey in the whole district is going to be launched within next 48 hours.
In a statement, he said that the survey will be completed within 15 days and the report will be submitted to the Punjab Government for the grant of financial assistance to the affectees. He told that the survey will be monitored by Brig. Abid Saeed and DCO Muzaffargarh at the district level, while Lt. Col and DDO (R) will look after the survey teams at the tehsil level.
Meanwhile, while commending the invaluable services of Rescue 1122 in the district during the floods, he told that as many as 10841 affectees were rescued and 400 others were given first aid by the Rescue teams. During the same period, 300 displaced families were also given medicines and dry ration by the Rescue 1122 in Muzaffargarh district, concluded the DCO.
********
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3983/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has announced the result of 7th Quality Assurance Test (QAT) of Education Voucher Scheme (EVS).
According to the results, 67 schools of Lahore took part in the said exam and out of them, 57 (87%) went through it. The PEF has displayed the detailed result at its website www.pef.edu.pk for the information of the partner schools.
*************
No: 3990/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Joined Flood Assessment Survey in Muzaffargarh
Lahore, Aug. 26:
The District Coordination Officer (DCO) Muzaffargarh Farasat Iqbal has disclosed that the flood assessment survey in the whole district is going to be launched within next 48 hours.
In a statement, he said that the survey will be completed within 15 days and the report will be submitted to the Punjab Government for the grant of financial assistance to the affectees. He told that the survey will be monitored by Brig. Abid Saeed and DCO Muzaffargarh at the district level, while Lt. Col and DDO (R) will look after the survey teams at the tehsil level.
Meanwhile, while commending the invaluable services of Rescue 1122 in the district during the floods, he told that as many as 10841 affectees were rescued and 400 others were given first aid by the Rescue teams. During the same period, 300 displaced families were also given medicines and dry ration by the Rescue 1122 in Muzaffargarh district, concluded the DCO.
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NGOs should fully take part in flood affectees’ rehabilitation- Saba Sadiq
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3964/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
The NGOs sector should actively take part in the rehabilitation of flood affected people. They should prioritize the provision of basic facilities like education, healthcare and shelter to the displaced people. All out support will be provided by the Punjab Government to such NGOs in their relief operation.
This was stated by Political Adviser to CM, Mrs Saba Sadiq while presiding over a meeting of NGOs at DCO office in Muzaffargarh today. DCO Farasat Iqbal, EDO (Health) and other Officers were also present on the occasion.
At the outset of the meeting, Saba Sadiq maintained that Pakistan is going through a critical moment of its history as the flash floods have wreaked havoc with the lives and properties of millions of people, adding that the NGOs should play a proactive role in this situation by providing necessary support and assistance. Joint cooperation of government and the NGOs will boost-up the rehabilitation of the people, she added. She further said that NGOs should distribute relief goods in registered camps so that genuine persons could benefit from it.
Later, Mrs Saba Sadiq visited Makhan Bela area of tehsil Jatoi in Muzaffargarh and distributed 350 family bags containing dry ration, clothes and other necessary items of daily use among the affectees. She assured full cooperation to them and said that their rehabilitation is a top priority agenda.
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3964/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
The NGOs sector should actively take part in the rehabilitation of flood affected people. They should prioritize the provision of basic facilities like education, healthcare and shelter to the displaced people. All out support will be provided by the Punjab Government to such NGOs in their relief operation.
This was stated by Political Adviser to CM, Mrs Saba Sadiq while presiding over a meeting of NGOs at DCO office in Muzaffargarh today. DCO Farasat Iqbal, EDO (Health) and other Officers were also present on the occasion.
At the outset of the meeting, Saba Sadiq maintained that Pakistan is going through a critical moment of its history as the flash floods have wreaked havoc with the lives and properties of millions of people, adding that the NGOs should play a proactive role in this situation by providing necessary support and assistance. Joint cooperation of government and the NGOs will boost-up the rehabilitation of the people, she added. She further said that NGOs should distribute relief goods in registered camps so that genuine persons could benefit from it.
Later, Mrs Saba Sadiq visited Makhan Bela area of tehsil Jatoi in Muzaffargarh and distributed 350 family bags containing dry ration, clothes and other necessary items of daily use among the affectees. She assured full cooperation to them and said that their rehabilitation is a top priority agenda.
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3957/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
PEF to launch EVS in Multan from September
Lahore, Aug. 25:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has finalized all arrangements to launch Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the district of Multan from first week of upcoming month of September as schools as well as household survey has already been completed. Under this scheme, one thousand deserving students will be given free education in their nearby schools and the expenses will be borne out by the PEF.
This was briefed by Project Officer (EVS) Shafique Ahmad while giving details of EVS expansion in the district of Multan to PEF management at PEF Board Room on Wednesday. The departmental coordination meeting was presided over by MD- PEF Mohyuddin Wani. DMD (O) Tanveer Zafar, DMD (F) Salman Anwar Malik, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, Director (CPDP) Maliha Batool, Director (IT) Usman Jarral and others also attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that PEF has concluded survey of 21 schools in Multan where deserving students will be offered free education. With a view to offer free education to more students, PEF has also completed survey of poor localities including Wagon Colony, Zia Colony, Dhok Hassu and Bhusa Godown Colony in Rawalpindi so that additional number of students in these localities could be accommodated under EVS.
MD- PEF expressed his commitment to foster education in the marginalized sections of the society through Public Private Partnership and hoped that PEF initiatives will help to achieve such goals.
********
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3958/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
Under the untiring leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, every worker and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) is strenuously working for the rehabilitation of marooned populace and the relief operation will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee.
This was stated by PML (N) MNA from Sahiwal, Pir Imran Ahmad Shah while distributing relief goods among the displaced families at various relief camps in Muzaffargarh district. Pir Imran Ahmad Shah visited relief camps setup by the district administration in Mahmood Kot, Turkwala, Darbar Kunal Sharif, Basira and Shahgarh in Muzaffargarh and assured full support to the people. On the occasion, he distributed more than 300 flour bags of 20 kg each, besides doling out bags of dry ration including Ghee, Sugar, Pulses, Rice, dry milk, Biscuits, Dates, clothes, Toilet Soap, Washing Powder and Tea Bags etc among the 4000 families. He assured them full support on behalf of the Punjab Government and said that Muzaffargarh administration will leave no stone unturned to help the marooned in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, Member Provincial Assembly from Muzaffargarh, Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra has said that PML (N) leadership is committed to the cause of public-welfare and every effort will be made to rehabilitate the flood affected people.
He was giving briefing to the local journalist community about the flood relief activities arranged by PML (N) in the district of Muzaffargarh at his residence on Wednesday.
Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra maintained that PML (N) believes in the public service and the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has proved that he is a genuine leader who believes in the welfare of the masses. He said that Punjab Government is providing all out resources to the people in need.
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3957/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
PEF to launch EVS in Multan from September
Lahore, Aug. 25:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has finalized all arrangements to launch Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the district of Multan from first week of upcoming month of September as schools as well as household survey has already been completed. Under this scheme, one thousand deserving students will be given free education in their nearby schools and the expenses will be borne out by the PEF.
This was briefed by Project Officer (EVS) Shafique Ahmad while giving details of EVS expansion in the district of Multan to PEF management at PEF Board Room on Wednesday. The departmental coordination meeting was presided over by MD- PEF Mohyuddin Wani. DMD (O) Tanveer Zafar, DMD (F) Salman Anwar Malik, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, Director (CPDP) Maliha Batool, Director (IT) Usman Jarral and others also attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that PEF has concluded survey of 21 schools in Multan where deserving students will be offered free education. With a view to offer free education to more students, PEF has also completed survey of poor localities including Wagon Colony, Zia Colony, Dhok Hassu and Bhusa Godown Colony in Rawalpindi so that additional number of students in these localities could be accommodated under EVS.
MD- PEF expressed his commitment to foster education in the marginalized sections of the society through Public Private Partnership and hoped that PEF initiatives will help to achieve such goals.
********
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3958/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
Under the untiring leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, every worker and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) is strenuously working for the rehabilitation of marooned populace and the relief operation will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee.
This was stated by PML (N) MNA from Sahiwal, Pir Imran Ahmad Shah while distributing relief goods among the displaced families at various relief camps in Muzaffargarh district. Pir Imran Ahmad Shah visited relief camps setup by the district administration in Mahmood Kot, Turkwala, Darbar Kunal Sharif, Basira and Shahgarh in Muzaffargarh and assured full support to the people. On the occasion, he distributed more than 300 flour bags of 20 kg each, besides doling out bags of dry ration including Ghee, Sugar, Pulses, Rice, dry milk, Biscuits, Dates, clothes, Toilet Soap, Washing Powder and Tea Bags etc among the 4000 families. He assured them full support on behalf of the Punjab Government and said that Muzaffargarh administration will leave no stone unturned to help the marooned in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, Member Provincial Assembly from Muzaffargarh, Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra has said that PML (N) leadership is committed to the cause of public-welfare and every effort will be made to rehabilitate the flood affected people.
He was giving briefing to the local journalist community about the flood relief activities arranged by PML (N) in the district of Muzaffargarh at his residence on Wednesday.
Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra maintained that PML (N) believes in the public service and the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has proved that he is a genuine leader who believes in the welfare of the masses. He said that Punjab Government is providing all out resources to the people in need.
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3957/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
PEF to launch EVS in Multan from September
Lahore, Aug. 25:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has finalized all arrangements to launch Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the district of Multan from first week of upcoming month of September as schools as well as household survey has already been completed. Under this scheme, one thousand deserving students will be given free education in their nearby schools and the expenses will be borne out by the PEF.
This was briefed by Project Officer (EVS) Shafique Ahmad while giving details of EVS expansion in the district of Multan to PEF management at PEF Board Room on Wednesday. The departmental coordination meeting was presided over by MD- PEF Mohyuddin Wani. DMD (O) Tanveer Zafar, DMD (F) Salman Anwar Malik, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, Director (CPDP) Maliha Batool, Director (IT) Usman Jarral and others also attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that PEF has concluded survey of 21 schools in Multan where deserving students will be offered free education. With a view to offer free education to more students, PEF has also completed survey of poor localities including Wagon Colony, Zia Colony, Dhok Hassu and Bhusa Godown Colony in Rawalpindi so that additional number of students in these localities could be accommodated under EVS.
MD- PEF expressed his commitment to foster education in the marginalized sections of the society through Public Private Partnership and hoped that PEF initiatives will help to achieve such goals.
********
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3958/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
Under the untiring leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, every worker and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) is strenuously working for the rehabilitation of marooned populace and the relief operation will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee.
This was stated by PML (N) MNA from Sahiwal, Pir Imran Ahmad Shah while distributing relief goods among the displaced families at various relief camps in Muzaffargarh district. Pir Imran Ahmad Shah visited relief camps setup by the district administration in Mahmood Kot, Turkwala, Darbar Kunal Sharif, Basira and Shahgarh in Muzaffargarh and assured full support to the people. On the occasion, he distributed more than 300 flour bags of 20 kg each, besides doling out bags of dry ration including Ghee, Sugar, Pulses, Rice, dry milk, Biscuits, Dates, clothes, Toilet Soap, Washing Powder and Tea Bags etc among the 4000 families. He assured them full support on behalf of the Punjab Government and said that Muzaffargarh administration will leave no stone unturned to help the marooned in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, Member Provincial Assembly from Muzaffargarh, Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra has said that PML (N) leadership is committed to the cause of public-welfare and every effort will be made to rehabilitate the flood affected people.
He was giving briefing to the local journalist community about the flood relief activities arranged by PML (N) in the district of Muzaffargarh at his residence on Wednesday.
Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra maintained that PML (N) believes in the public service and the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has proved that he is a genuine leader who believes in the welfare of the masses. He said that Punjab Government is providing all out resources to the people in need.
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3957/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
PEF to launch EVS in Multan from September
Lahore, Aug. 25:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has finalized all arrangements to launch Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the district of Multan from first week of upcoming month of September as schools as well as household survey has already been completed. Under this scheme, one thousand deserving students will be given free education in their nearby schools and the expenses will be borne out by the PEF.
This was briefed by Project Officer (EVS) Shafique Ahmad while giving details of EVS expansion in the district of Multan to PEF management at PEF Board Room on Wednesday. The departmental coordination meeting was presided over by MD- PEF Mohyuddin Wani. DMD (O) Tanveer Zafar, DMD (F) Salman Anwar Malik, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, Director (CPDP) Maliha Batool, Director (IT) Usman Jarral and others also attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that PEF has concluded survey of 21 schools in Multan where deserving students will be offered free education. With a view to offer free education to more students, PEF has also completed survey of poor localities including Wagon Colony, Zia Colony, Dhok Hassu and Bhusa Godown Colony in Rawalpindi so that additional number of students in these localities could be accommodated under EVS.
MD- PEF expressed his commitment to foster education in the marginalized sections of the society through Public Private Partnership and hoped that PEF initiatives will help to achieve such goals.
********
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3958/Qudrat/Muzammil
HANDOUT
Muzaffargarh, Aug. 25:
Under the untiring leadership of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, every worker and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) is strenuously working for the rehabilitation of marooned populace and the relief operation will continue till the rehabilitation of the last affectee.
This was stated by PML (N) MNA from Sahiwal, Pir Imran Ahmad Shah while distributing relief goods among the displaced families at various relief camps in Muzaffargarh district. Pir Imran Ahmad Shah visited relief camps setup by the district administration in Mahmood Kot, Turkwala, Darbar Kunal Sharif, Basira and Shahgarh in Muzaffargarh and assured full support to the people. On the occasion, he distributed more than 300 flour bags of 20 kg each, besides doling out bags of dry ration including Ghee, Sugar, Pulses, Rice, dry milk, Biscuits, Dates, clothes, Toilet Soap, Washing Powder and Tea Bags etc among the 4000 families. He assured them full support on behalf of the Punjab Government and said that Muzaffargarh administration will leave no stone unturned to help the marooned in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, Member Provincial Assembly from Muzaffargarh, Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra has said that PML (N) leadership is committed to the cause of public-welfare and every effort will be made to rehabilitate the flood affected people.
He was giving briefing to the local journalist community about the flood relief activities arranged by PML (N) in the district of Muzaffargarh at his residence on Wednesday.
Malik Ahmad Yar Hingra maintained that PML (N) believes in the public service and the Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has proved that he is a genuine leader who believes in the welfare of the masses. He said that Punjab Government is providing all out resources to the people in need.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
PEF’s “Centralized Students’ Verification System” to ensure transparency
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3938 /Qudrat/Sarfraz
HANDOUT (A)
Data of 6.25 lakh students digitized by PEF
Lahore, Aug. 24:
Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has designed “Centralized Students’ Verification System” (CSVS) to ensure transparent partnership with the partner schools. It will also facilitate the partner schools to remotely access their students’ data through internet. This programme is going to be launched by September 30, 2010.
This was stated by PEF-Director (IT) Usman Jarral in a departmental meeting of Punjab Education Foundation with Managing Director PEF Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani in the chair, at PEF Board Room on Tuesday. Nadeem Masood Director (FAS), Ms. Maliha Batool Director (CPDP), Hassan Javaid PO (NSP), Shafiq Ahmad PO (EVS) and Network Administrator Muzaffar Iqbal attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed in detail the digitization drive of the Foundation.
Giving details of computerization of students’ data, Mr. Usman informed that digitization process of more than 1300 partner schools has already been completed by PEF-IT Department. This includes computerization of complete record including photos of more than 6.25 lakh students, he added. CSVS will help to ensure complete transparency in Quality Assurance Tests.
PEF-MD Wani appreciated the indigenous launching of software for bringing efficiency and hoped that it will help to check students’ record online. He maintained that PEF is encouraging promotion of Information Technology in partner schools so that the poor students could get access to it.
********
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3938 /Qudrat/Sarfraz
HANDOUT (A)
Data of 6.25 lakh students digitized by PEF
Lahore, Aug. 24:
Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has designed “Centralized Students’ Verification System” (CSVS) to ensure transparent partnership with the partner schools. It will also facilitate the partner schools to remotely access their students’ data through internet. This programme is going to be launched by September 30, 2010.
This was stated by PEF-Director (IT) Usman Jarral in a departmental meeting of Punjab Education Foundation with Managing Director PEF Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani in the chair, at PEF Board Room on Tuesday. Nadeem Masood Director (FAS), Ms. Maliha Batool Director (CPDP), Hassan Javaid PO (NSP), Shafiq Ahmad PO (EVS) and Network Administrator Muzaffar Iqbal attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed in detail the digitization drive of the Foundation.
Giving details of computerization of students’ data, Mr. Usman informed that digitization process of more than 1300 partner schools has already been completed by PEF-IT Department. This includes computerization of complete record including photos of more than 6.25 lakh students, he added. CSVS will help to ensure complete transparency in Quality Assurance Tests.
PEF-MD Wani appreciated the indigenous launching of software for bringing efficiency and hoped that it will help to check students’ record online. He maintained that PEF is encouraging promotion of Information Technology in partner schools so that the poor students could get access to it.
********
Monday, August 23, 2010
PEF starts distributing EVS vouchers in Lahore and Kasur
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3923 /Qudrat/Rana
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, Aug. 23:
Punjab Education Foundation has started distributing Vouchers among the 17500 students of 120 EVS partner schools, enrolled under the Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the districts of Lahore and Kasur for the months of September and October 2010.
This was stated by Project Officer (EVS) Punjab Education Foundation Shafique Ahmad, here today.
He informed that Punjab Education Foundation will distribute Vouchers worth Rs. 1, 22, 50,000 for the months of September and October 2010. The process will be completed by August 26, 2010 and separate camps will be setup in Kasur to accommodate the partner schools there, he added.
It is pertinent to mention that EVS has emerged as a strong mechanism to educate the child laborers and slum dwellers. PEF gives Rs. 350 per month to partner schools as students’ fee besides providing text books on annual basis.
******
Directorate General Public Relations
Government of the Punjab
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3923 /Qudrat/Rana
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, Aug. 23:
Punjab Education Foundation has started distributing Vouchers among the 17500 students of 120 EVS partner schools, enrolled under the Education Voucher Scheme (EVS) in the districts of Lahore and Kasur for the months of September and October 2010.
This was stated by Project Officer (EVS) Punjab Education Foundation Shafique Ahmad, here today.
He informed that Punjab Education Foundation will distribute Vouchers worth Rs. 1, 22, 50,000 for the months of September and October 2010. The process will be completed by August 26, 2010 and separate camps will be setup in Kasur to accommodate the partner schools there, he added.
It is pertinent to mention that EVS has emerged as a strong mechanism to educate the child laborers and slum dwellers. PEF gives Rs. 350 per month to partner schools as students’ fee besides providing text books on annual basis.
******
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Violence in classrooms
By Qudrat Ullah
Corporal punishment is the gravest violation of fundamental rights of the children. All children need enabling environment to grow up. On the other hand, corporal punishments badly blemish their overall behavior and also hinder psychological growth. According to a UN report on cruelty against children, around 40 million children succumb to some type of violence around the world every year. It is good that modern world has finally realized that corporal punishment is adverse to children’s growth and its better that students should learn without any fear of reprisal or punishment. However, despite its devastating effects, the social acceptability and prevalence of corporal punishment in public as well as private schools is a grave danger which should be seriously pondered over by the government & the civil society and a comprehensive mechanism should be developed to provide enabling environment in schools so that child-friendly schooling could be put in.
According to the National Association of School Nurses, USA the corporal punishment is defined as “the intentional infliction of physical pain as a method of changing behavior. It may include physical hitting, slapping, rebuking, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, use of various objects (paddles, belts, sticks, or others), or painful body postures etc."
While the government of the Punjab has officially banned the use of any practice of corporal punishment or physical torture in schools on December 14, 2005 and the same was done by the government of Balochistan on June 16, 2010; yet, both the governments have failed to develop subsequent legal and administrative mechanisms besides training the teachers and the students about its importance.
It is interesting to note that as many as 20 Southern and Western States in the USA have laws which legally permit corporal punishment in schools even today. On the contrary, corporal punishment is strictly banned in all the European countries and Canada has also prohibited it as late as in 2004. Even in our neighboring India, where despite the fact that Supreme Court of India has officially banned the corporal punishment in schools, a 2007 study conducted by India’s Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Development, revealed that two out of three children in 13 States remained victim of some form of torture or rebuking in their student days.
Pakistan is no exception to this lingering menace which has refused to die despite the rise and expansion of mass media during the last one decade. Although, government of Pakistan has formally ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on Nov. 12, 1990 and other covenants including Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1996, and the Convention concerning the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst form of child labour convention (C182) in 2001, the ground realities are not changed due to official slackness or lack of proper implementation of these laws which require that proper institutional system should be evolved to combat all forms of human ignominy in schools. A report prepared by Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) claims that 35,000 Pakistani students are dropped-out of schools every year, and nearly 50 percent of them, run off from schools due to the prevalence of corporal punishment. This is indeed a serious scenario which needs immediate attention of the government, media and the civil society organizations so that all forms of human humiliation could be eliminated. Unfortunately, it is observed that corporal punishment is still rampant in many areas in Punjab as society and the public has accepted it as a necessary evil to educate their children.
It is a good omen that Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) - an autonomous statutory body in the province of Punjab for promoting quality education through public private partnership, has headed out a campaign to eradicate all forms of corporal punishment from its 2,000 partner schools working in 29 districts of Punjab. Not contending with its mandate to provide free education to marginalized sections of the society through partner schools, the Punjab Education Foundation has entered into an agreement with Plan Pakistan (PI) to develop a comprehensive institutional mechanism for promoting public awareness against corporal punishment in PEF partner schools. So far, Punjab Education Foundation has appointed three Focal Persons; one each in the districts of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi to kaleidoscopically monitor the situation there, besides inculcating the subject of corporal punishment in its teachers’ training curriculum. It has also launched a public sensitizing campaign. However, Punjab Education Foundation is fairly a small entity when compared with the Punjab government schools infrastructure reaching to 64,000. As private sector enjoys 34 percent share in the school education, therefore, any step taken by the PEF for ending violence in classrooms would be a small step unless and until all the schools are not involved in it. A workshop was also arranged by Plan Pakistan in Murree recently in which PEF staff; partner school owners and other stakeholders took part and pondered over the strategy to get rid of this menace from schools.
According to a field study conducted by Plan Pakistan in Islamabad, Chakwal and Vehari districts recently to gauge prevalence of corporal punishment among 8-18 year old students, and to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of different stakeholder related to this issue, the overall prevalence was found to be 89 percent, while in government schools, it was 91 percent and in private schools, it was 86 percent. Surprisingly, religious seminaries were less prone to this menace as the prevalence of corporal punishment was 83 percent there. It was observed that punishment is practiced during 8 to 12 years age-bracket and the most common reasons are because of the students making noise, fighting or quarrelling with their class-mates.
The results of the study presented a very gruesome picture of our schools and seminaries. The researchers found that harsh treatment and punishment are common in almost every setting. Physical violence (targeted organ torture, cane beating, stick beating), psychological violence (insults, name-calling, isolation, rejecting behaviour), emotional violence (discriminating behaviour, indifference by gender, ethnic discrimination), use of humiliating and obscene words, baton beating (use of stick, stem of tree, branch of a plant with thorns, etc), beating and shaking, bullying, forced to pose in a chair position, confinement in a dark room, food restriction, standing in a hands-up position, name calling or verbal abuse due to differences in caste, religion and general discrimination and giving reference to sexual organs verbally to humiliate the students, are some of the practises adopted by our school teachers to instil discipline in their students. Gender-wise practice of punishment was found to be different for both sexes. Results also revealed that male students do not perceive some types as punishment; for example, standing-up, ear tugging, hair pulling and smacking on back. Yet, the female students perceived these acts as punishments.
This study proves our failure in dealing with our future leaders. If we want a stable and prosperous Pakistan, then we must attend to the needs and requirements of the children, because no nation can attain rise and success by inflicting insulting behaviour and physical violence to its nascent children.
This is the immediate lesson; the whole nation is needed to learn.
************
Corporal punishment is the gravest violation of fundamental rights of the children. All children need enabling environment to grow up. On the other hand, corporal punishments badly blemish their overall behavior and also hinder psychological growth. According to a UN report on cruelty against children, around 40 million children succumb to some type of violence around the world every year. It is good that modern world has finally realized that corporal punishment is adverse to children’s growth and its better that students should learn without any fear of reprisal or punishment. However, despite its devastating effects, the social acceptability and prevalence of corporal punishment in public as well as private schools is a grave danger which should be seriously pondered over by the government & the civil society and a comprehensive mechanism should be developed to provide enabling environment in schools so that child-friendly schooling could be put in.
According to the National Association of School Nurses, USA the corporal punishment is defined as “the intentional infliction of physical pain as a method of changing behavior. It may include physical hitting, slapping, rebuking, punching, kicking, pinching, shaking, use of various objects (paddles, belts, sticks, or others), or painful body postures etc."
While the government of the Punjab has officially banned the use of any practice of corporal punishment or physical torture in schools on December 14, 2005 and the same was done by the government of Balochistan on June 16, 2010; yet, both the governments have failed to develop subsequent legal and administrative mechanisms besides training the teachers and the students about its importance.
It is interesting to note that as many as 20 Southern and Western States in the USA have laws which legally permit corporal punishment in schools even today. On the contrary, corporal punishment is strictly banned in all the European countries and Canada has also prohibited it as late as in 2004. Even in our neighboring India, where despite the fact that Supreme Court of India has officially banned the corporal punishment in schools, a 2007 study conducted by India’s Ministry of Women and Child Welfare Development, revealed that two out of three children in 13 States remained victim of some form of torture or rebuking in their student days.
Pakistan is no exception to this lingering menace which has refused to die despite the rise and expansion of mass media during the last one decade. Although, government of Pakistan has formally ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on Nov. 12, 1990 and other covenants including Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1996, and the Convention concerning the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst form of child labour convention (C182) in 2001, the ground realities are not changed due to official slackness or lack of proper implementation of these laws which require that proper institutional system should be evolved to combat all forms of human ignominy in schools. A report prepared by Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) claims that 35,000 Pakistani students are dropped-out of schools every year, and nearly 50 percent of them, run off from schools due to the prevalence of corporal punishment. This is indeed a serious scenario which needs immediate attention of the government, media and the civil society organizations so that all forms of human humiliation could be eliminated. Unfortunately, it is observed that corporal punishment is still rampant in many areas in Punjab as society and the public has accepted it as a necessary evil to educate their children.
It is a good omen that Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) - an autonomous statutory body in the province of Punjab for promoting quality education through public private partnership, has headed out a campaign to eradicate all forms of corporal punishment from its 2,000 partner schools working in 29 districts of Punjab. Not contending with its mandate to provide free education to marginalized sections of the society through partner schools, the Punjab Education Foundation has entered into an agreement with Plan Pakistan (PI) to develop a comprehensive institutional mechanism for promoting public awareness against corporal punishment in PEF partner schools. So far, Punjab Education Foundation has appointed three Focal Persons; one each in the districts of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi to kaleidoscopically monitor the situation there, besides inculcating the subject of corporal punishment in its teachers’ training curriculum. It has also launched a public sensitizing campaign. However, Punjab Education Foundation is fairly a small entity when compared with the Punjab government schools infrastructure reaching to 64,000. As private sector enjoys 34 percent share in the school education, therefore, any step taken by the PEF for ending violence in classrooms would be a small step unless and until all the schools are not involved in it. A workshop was also arranged by Plan Pakistan in Murree recently in which PEF staff; partner school owners and other stakeholders took part and pondered over the strategy to get rid of this menace from schools.
According to a field study conducted by Plan Pakistan in Islamabad, Chakwal and Vehari districts recently to gauge prevalence of corporal punishment among 8-18 year old students, and to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of different stakeholder related to this issue, the overall prevalence was found to be 89 percent, while in government schools, it was 91 percent and in private schools, it was 86 percent. Surprisingly, religious seminaries were less prone to this menace as the prevalence of corporal punishment was 83 percent there. It was observed that punishment is practiced during 8 to 12 years age-bracket and the most common reasons are because of the students making noise, fighting or quarrelling with their class-mates.
The results of the study presented a very gruesome picture of our schools and seminaries. The researchers found that harsh treatment and punishment are common in almost every setting. Physical violence (targeted organ torture, cane beating, stick beating), psychological violence (insults, name-calling, isolation, rejecting behaviour), emotional violence (discriminating behaviour, indifference by gender, ethnic discrimination), use of humiliating and obscene words, baton beating (use of stick, stem of tree, branch of a plant with thorns, etc), beating and shaking, bullying, forced to pose in a chair position, confinement in a dark room, food restriction, standing in a hands-up position, name calling or verbal abuse due to differences in caste, religion and general discrimination and giving reference to sexual organs verbally to humiliate the students, are some of the practises adopted by our school teachers to instil discipline in their students. Gender-wise practice of punishment was found to be different for both sexes. Results also revealed that male students do not perceive some types as punishment; for example, standing-up, ear tugging, hair pulling and smacking on back. Yet, the female students perceived these acts as punishments.
This study proves our failure in dealing with our future leaders. If we want a stable and prosperous Pakistan, then we must attend to the needs and requirements of the children, because no nation can attain rise and success by inflicting insulting behaviour and physical violence to its nascent children.
This is the immediate lesson; the whole nation is needed to learn.
************
PEF staff to take part in flood relief operation in Punjab
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390-86
No: 3719/Qudrat/Imran
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 13:
In response to Punjab government’s appeal to volunteer for the post- flood relief operations in Punjab, eight Punjab Education Foundation officials have offered their services to the Punjab government.
A spokesman of Punjab Education Foundation stated this here on Friday.
According to the spokesman, Project Officers Maryam Shakir& Ali Khan have volunteered for ten days, while Subject Specialists Hameed Ullah Rafi, Sadaf Zaffar, Jawad Nafees, Huma Mir, Fatimah Abdul Jabbar and Project Assistant Zahid Iqbal have volunteered for three days flood relief operations. Their names have been sent to the concerned quarters for further necessary action. They will help in relief operation in flood-hit areas.
Meanwhile, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar has appreciated their spirit of public service.
*******
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390-86
No: 3719/Qudrat/Imran
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 13:
In response to Punjab government’s appeal to volunteer for the post- flood relief operations in Punjab, eight Punjab Education Foundation officials have offered their services to the Punjab government.
A spokesman of Punjab Education Foundation stated this here on Friday.
According to the spokesman, Project Officers Maryam Shakir& Ali Khan have volunteered for ten days, while Subject Specialists Hameed Ullah Rafi, Sadaf Zaffar, Jawad Nafees, Huma Mir, Fatimah Abdul Jabbar and Project Assistant Zahid Iqbal have volunteered for three days flood relief operations. Their names have been sent to the concerned quarters for further necessary action. They will help in relief operation in flood-hit areas.
Meanwhile, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar has appreciated their spirit of public service.
*******
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Raja Anwar asks NGOs to support rehabilitation efforts
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3691/Qudrat /Muazzam
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 11:
Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar has asked the NGOs to vehemently support the government rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit areas. He has added that re-building of damaged or affected schools infrastructure is a priority area as no lapse in education of students will be put up with.
He was talking to PEF partner school owners namely Muhammad Khalid Javed of Bright Future Public School and Rana Ziaullah of Al-Azhar Girls Science Secondary School, Burewalla, Vehari district, at his office on Wednesday.
Both the partner school owners presented a consignment of life saving medicines worth Rs. 1.6 million to Raja Muhammad Anwar and assured their further support to schools rehabilitation plan. Raja Anwar appreciated their passion and said that the nation is united in this hour of need. He told that Punjab Education Foundation has already started flood damage survey of partner schools besides donating Rs. 7 lakh in CM flood relief fund. These medicines were later sent to flood stricken areas by the Punjab Education Foundation for their distribution among the needy.
Earlier, former Social Welfare Minister and founding Director Bunyad Literacy Community Council (BLCC) Ms. Shaheen Atiq ur Rahman called on Raja Anwar and discussed matters of mutual interest.
********
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3691/Qudrat /Muazzam
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 11:
Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar has asked the NGOs to vehemently support the government rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit areas. He has added that re-building of damaged or affected schools infrastructure is a priority area as no lapse in education of students will be put up with.
He was talking to PEF partner school owners namely Muhammad Khalid Javed of Bright Future Public School and Rana Ziaullah of Al-Azhar Girls Science Secondary School, Burewalla, Vehari district, at his office on Wednesday.
Both the partner school owners presented a consignment of life saving medicines worth Rs. 1.6 million to Raja Muhammad Anwar and assured their further support to schools rehabilitation plan. Raja Anwar appreciated their passion and said that the nation is united in this hour of need. He told that Punjab Education Foundation has already started flood damage survey of partner schools besides donating Rs. 7 lakh in CM flood relief fund. These medicines were later sent to flood stricken areas by the Punjab Education Foundation for their distribution among the needy.
Earlier, former Social Welfare Minister and founding Director Bunyad Literacy Community Council (BLCC) Ms. Shaheen Atiq ur Rahman called on Raja Anwar and discussed matters of mutual interest.
********
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
PEF starts detailed flood-damage survey in Punjab—Raja Anwar
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3662/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 10:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has started detailed flood-assessment survey of its affected partner schools in the flood-stricken areas of the province. Different survey teams have been deputed to conduct situational survey and submit detailed reports to PEF management for taking prompt measures for partner schools’ rehabilitation.
This was stated by Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar while presiding over a departmental meeting of PEF at his office on Tuesday. PEF-MD Mohyuddin Wani, DMD (Ops.) Tanvir A. Zaffar, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, PO (NSP) Hassan Javed and other Officers attended the meting. The meeting reviewed in detail the conditions of partner schools in the flood hit areas.
Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood informed the participants that out of 536 FAS partner schools in seven Southern Districts, 156 have reportedly been affected by the floods. Giving a break up of the schools situation, he told that 61 out of 220 schools in Muzaffargarh, 70 out of 107 schools in Rajanpur, 10 out of 53 schools in DG Khan, two out of 51 schools in Bhakkar, three out of 34 schools in Mianwali, nine out of 40 schools in Layyah and one out of 31 schools in Rahim Yar Khan have been reported to be affected by the floods. Raja Anwar was also told that Disaster Management Cells have been set up by the PEF in Lahore, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar khan, DG Khan, Multan and Jhang districts to guide the partner schools in case of any eventuality.
Raja Anwar also appreciated the good efforts of the PEF staff in giving donation in the flood relief fund and maintained that PEF will not leave partner schools alone in this hour of need.
*******
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3662/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 10:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has started detailed flood-assessment survey of its affected partner schools in the flood-stricken areas of the province. Different survey teams have been deputed to conduct situational survey and submit detailed reports to PEF management for taking prompt measures for partner schools’ rehabilitation.
This was stated by Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar while presiding over a departmental meeting of PEF at his office on Tuesday. PEF-MD Mohyuddin Wani, DMD (Ops.) Tanvir A. Zaffar, Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood, PO (NSP) Hassan Javed and other Officers attended the meting. The meeting reviewed in detail the conditions of partner schools in the flood hit areas.
Director (FAS) Nadeem Masood informed the participants that out of 536 FAS partner schools in seven Southern Districts, 156 have reportedly been affected by the floods. Giving a break up of the schools situation, he told that 61 out of 220 schools in Muzaffargarh, 70 out of 107 schools in Rajanpur, 10 out of 53 schools in DG Khan, two out of 51 schools in Bhakkar, three out of 34 schools in Mianwali, nine out of 40 schools in Layyah and one out of 31 schools in Rahim Yar Khan have been reported to be affected by the floods. Raja Anwar was also told that Disaster Management Cells have been set up by the PEF in Lahore, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar khan, DG Khan, Multan and Jhang districts to guide the partner schools in case of any eventuality.
Raja Anwar also appreciated the good efforts of the PEF staff in giving donation in the flood relief fund and maintained that PEF will not leave partner schools alone in this hour of need.
*******
Monday, August 9, 2010
Raja Anwar felicitates PEF-partner schools
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3644/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 9:
Chairman Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) Raja Muhammad Anwar has congratulated the PEF-Partner schools showing exemplary performance in the Matric exams. He has also congratulated Ms. Zabreen Tahir- a winner of “Brain of Lahore-2010” inter-school competition held annually under the aegis of Punjab Education Foundation to encourage the brilliant students.
In a statement issued here today, he maintained that Punjab Education Foundation has emerged as the best educational model of public private partnership in the province by providing best possible facilities to the partner schools including teachers training, provision of library books and Subject Specialists for teaching Science Subjects. PEF has devised a well-defined mechanism to ensure quality education for the students in partner schools, he concluded.
**********
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3644/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 9:
Chairman Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) Raja Muhammad Anwar has congratulated the PEF-Partner schools showing exemplary performance in the Matric exams. He has also congratulated Ms. Zabreen Tahir- a winner of “Brain of Lahore-2010” inter-school competition held annually under the aegis of Punjab Education Foundation to encourage the brilliant students.
In a statement issued here today, he maintained that Punjab Education Foundation has emerged as the best educational model of public private partnership in the province by providing best possible facilities to the partner schools including teachers training, provision of library books and Subject Specialists for teaching Science Subjects. PEF has devised a well-defined mechanism to ensure quality education for the students in partner schools, he concluded.
**********
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Punjab Education Foundation appoints Focal Persons
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3613/Qudrat/ Muazzam
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 8:
With a view to keep the stakeholders fully informed and guide the school owners and NGOs interested in partnership with the Punjab Education Foundation, the PEF management has appointed its different programme heads as Focal Persons.
A spokesman of Punjab Education Foundation stated this here today.
According to the spokesman, Mr. Nadeem Masood Director (FAS) Cell # 0321-4888893, Mr. Usman Ali Director (IT) Cell # 0321-4009289, Ms. Maliha Batool Director (CPDP) Cell # 0302-4400716, Mr. Hassan Javaid Programme Officer (NSP) Cell # 0321-6400936, Mr. Qudrat Ullah Information Officer Cell # 0333-4346428 and Mr. Shafiq Ahmad Programme Officer (EVS) Cell # 0333-4425563, have been assigned the task to act as PEF-Focal Persons.
They will handle public queries and sensitize the people about various educational programmes aimed at fostering school education in the marginalized sections of the society, the spokesman concluded.
********
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3613/Qudrat/ Muazzam
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 8:
With a view to keep the stakeholders fully informed and guide the school owners and NGOs interested in partnership with the Punjab Education Foundation, the PEF management has appointed its different programme heads as Focal Persons.
A spokesman of Punjab Education Foundation stated this here today.
According to the spokesman, Mr. Nadeem Masood Director (FAS) Cell # 0321-4888893, Mr. Usman Ali Director (IT) Cell # 0321-4009289, Ms. Maliha Batool Director (CPDP) Cell # 0302-4400716, Mr. Hassan Javaid Programme Officer (NSP) Cell # 0321-6400936, Mr. Qudrat Ullah Information Officer Cell # 0333-4346428 and Mr. Shafiq Ahmad Programme Officer (EVS) Cell # 0333-4425563, have been assigned the task to act as PEF-Focal Persons.
They will handle public queries and sensitize the people about various educational programmes aimed at fostering school education in the marginalized sections of the society, the spokesman concluded.
********
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Raja Anwar for completion of schools rationalization process by August 14
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390 No: 3577/Qudrat/ Muzammil
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 06:
Punjab Education Department should complete the rationalization process of public sector schools by August 14 in the province to augment the schools infrastructure according to students-teachers ratio. Government is committed to provide all possible facilities to new schools so that the education process may not hamper in the absence of facilities.
This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education Raja Muhammad Anwar while presiding over a high level departmental meeting of Rawalpindi Division’s School Education Department staff and district administration in the office chamber of Commissioner Rawalpindi on Friday. Commissioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed, Rawalpindi Division DCOs, Director (dev.) Commissioner Office Naureen Bashir, Additional Secretary (Gen.)Dr. Farrah Masood, EDOs (E) of Rawalpindi and other Districts also attended the meeting. The reviewed in detail the pace of rationalization process in Rawalpindi Division and discussed different proposals for its timely culmination.
While talking about the importance of science education in the 21st century, Raja Anwar directed that every high school must have Math, Science, English and Computer subject teachers. Besides this, he added that a separate teacher should also be provided to handle Prep. and Nursery classes. He told that the Punjab Government has allocated 12% of the educational ADP for the provision of schools furniture. He asked the EDOs(E) to submit comprehensive plans for the posting of highly qualified primary school teachers in the elementary and high schools so that the highly qualified teachers could be encouraged by the government. He further directed to submit departmental recommendations for the conversion of 80 Masjid Maktab Schools to Primary schools in Punjab. Raja Anwar observed that necessary departmental mechanism should also be designed to improve admission rate and quality of education in public sector schools. He said that posting/transfers should be done during summer holidays and teachers to students’ ratio should also be rationalized according to needs. He said that honorarium would be accorded to the district showing best results in rationalization.
On the occasion, Commissioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed directed the DCOs to supervise the rationalization process for its timely completion.
***********
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390 No: 3577/Qudrat/ Muzammil
HANDOUT (A)
Lahore, August 06:
Punjab Education Department should complete the rationalization process of public sector schools by August 14 in the province to augment the schools infrastructure according to students-teachers ratio. Government is committed to provide all possible facilities to new schools so that the education process may not hamper in the absence of facilities.
This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education Raja Muhammad Anwar while presiding over a high level departmental meeting of Rawalpindi Division’s School Education Department staff and district administration in the office chamber of Commissioner Rawalpindi on Friday. Commissioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed, Rawalpindi Division DCOs, Director (dev.) Commissioner Office Naureen Bashir, Additional Secretary (Gen.)Dr. Farrah Masood, EDOs (E) of Rawalpindi and other Districts also attended the meeting. The reviewed in detail the pace of rationalization process in Rawalpindi Division and discussed different proposals for its timely culmination.
While talking about the importance of science education in the 21st century, Raja Anwar directed that every high school must have Math, Science, English and Computer subject teachers. Besides this, he added that a separate teacher should also be provided to handle Prep. and Nursery classes. He told that the Punjab Government has allocated 12% of the educational ADP for the provision of schools furniture. He asked the EDOs(E) to submit comprehensive plans for the posting of highly qualified primary school teachers in the elementary and high schools so that the highly qualified teachers could be encouraged by the government. He further directed to submit departmental recommendations for the conversion of 80 Masjid Maktab Schools to Primary schools in Punjab. Raja Anwar observed that necessary departmental mechanism should also be designed to improve admission rate and quality of education in public sector schools. He said that posting/transfers should be done during summer holidays and teachers to students’ ratio should also be rationalized according to needs. He said that honorarium would be accorded to the district showing best results in rationalization.
On the occasion, Commissioner Rawalpindi Zahid Saeed directed the DCOs to supervise the rationalization process for its timely completion.
***********
Thursday, August 5, 2010
PEF join hands with stakeholders to redress corporal punishment issue-Raja Anwar
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3517/Qudrat/ Rana
HANDOUT (A)
Rawalpindi, August 04:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has developed much desired child-friendly schooling for one million students by developing composite institutional mechanism against corporal punishment in 2000 partner schools in Punjab. However, there is need to proactively involve the civil society organs like media, NGOs and the legal fraternity in this crusade to develop a society benevolent towards its children. It will also help to encourage learning without fear. This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education/ Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar while addressing the concluding ceremony of one-day “Workshop on Corporal Punishment & Redressal System”, held under the aegis of Plan Pakistan in Murree on Wednesday. Concerned Officers of Punjab Education Foundation, heads of partner schools and civil society members from Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa took part in the workshop and shared their experiences with each other to strengthen and improve the institutional mechanism in schools against violence.
Addressing the gathering, Raja Anwar said that Punjab Education Foundation has emerged as the best model of public private partnership in fostering free education in the poorest of the poor strata at the grassroots. He maintained that PEF has given new hope to the hopeless by arranging education for their out of school children. Besides strictly banning the corporal punishment, Punjab Government is also working to ensure quality education for all, he added. He maintained that top of the line quality education will be provided to poor students of “Have-not families” in Danish School System. Despite meager resources, Punjab Government is ensuring that suitable resources are provided to school sector. We have decided to set up Science Labs in all PEF partner schools so that students could best learn Science subjects. PEF has also planned to arrange free technical and vocational education for Matric students in TEVTA institutions so that they could become self reliant. Raja further maintained “Knowledge gives respect to nations; therefore, we should make learning our first priority.”
Raja Anwar, however, lamented that access to education still remains a challenge in Pakistan. Punishments in schools contribute to increasing drop-out rates. There is a need that all the children are raised in protective and encouraging environment, where society is responsive to their rights without any gender discrimination. Earlier, Mrs. Farrah Naz, Program Support Manager, Plan Pakistan presented a report about a study conducted by Plan Pakistan in the districts of Chakwal, Islamabad and Vehari to study the state of corporal punishment among 8 to 18 years students. According to the study, overall prevalence of corporal punishment was 89 percent. It was found that punishment is practiced during 8 to 12 years age bracket and the most common reasons are because of the students making noise, fighting or quarrelling with their class mates. It was also revealed that students are punished more in the rural areas, that does not indicate that urban areas are free from this dilemma but the ratio is less in comparison.
Syed Safdar Raza, Advocacy Advisor Plan Pakistan stressed that without hampering a delicate equilibrium of teachers-people relationship, the teachers should stop beating children. He added that violence against children is not perpetrating only by the teachers but from parents and work places as well. All forms of corporal punishment must be stopped immediately, he demanded. He also explained that Plan Pakistan, in collaboration with Punjab Education Foundation, has initiated to develop a pilot redressal system against corporal punishment in PEF Supported schools in Punjab as well as incorporating child rights in teachers training curricula. Mr. Raza added that apart from PEF, Plan Pakistan is also working with the provincial government of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, on ending corporal punishment from schools. In the end, participants presented various proposals for ending corporal punishment from schools.
********************
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab,
Lahore. Ph: 99201390
No: 3517/Qudrat/ Rana
HANDOUT (A)
Rawalpindi, August 04:
The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has developed much desired child-friendly schooling for one million students by developing composite institutional mechanism against corporal punishment in 2000 partner schools in Punjab. However, there is need to proactively involve the civil society organs like media, NGOs and the legal fraternity in this crusade to develop a society benevolent towards its children. It will also help to encourage learning without fear. This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education/ Punjab Education Foundation Raja Muhammad Anwar while addressing the concluding ceremony of one-day “Workshop on Corporal Punishment & Redressal System”, held under the aegis of Plan Pakistan in Murree on Wednesday. Concerned Officers of Punjab Education Foundation, heads of partner schools and civil society members from Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa took part in the workshop and shared their experiences with each other to strengthen and improve the institutional mechanism in schools against violence.
Addressing the gathering, Raja Anwar said that Punjab Education Foundation has emerged as the best model of public private partnership in fostering free education in the poorest of the poor strata at the grassroots. He maintained that PEF has given new hope to the hopeless by arranging education for their out of school children. Besides strictly banning the corporal punishment, Punjab Government is also working to ensure quality education for all, he added. He maintained that top of the line quality education will be provided to poor students of “Have-not families” in Danish School System. Despite meager resources, Punjab Government is ensuring that suitable resources are provided to school sector. We have decided to set up Science Labs in all PEF partner schools so that students could best learn Science subjects. PEF has also planned to arrange free technical and vocational education for Matric students in TEVTA institutions so that they could become self reliant. Raja further maintained “Knowledge gives respect to nations; therefore, we should make learning our first priority.”
Raja Anwar, however, lamented that access to education still remains a challenge in Pakistan. Punishments in schools contribute to increasing drop-out rates. There is a need that all the children are raised in protective and encouraging environment, where society is responsive to their rights without any gender discrimination. Earlier, Mrs. Farrah Naz, Program Support Manager, Plan Pakistan presented a report about a study conducted by Plan Pakistan in the districts of Chakwal, Islamabad and Vehari to study the state of corporal punishment among 8 to 18 years students. According to the study, overall prevalence of corporal punishment was 89 percent. It was found that punishment is practiced during 8 to 12 years age bracket and the most common reasons are because of the students making noise, fighting or quarrelling with their class mates. It was also revealed that students are punished more in the rural areas, that does not indicate that urban areas are free from this dilemma but the ratio is less in comparison.
Syed Safdar Raza, Advocacy Advisor Plan Pakistan stressed that without hampering a delicate equilibrium of teachers-people relationship, the teachers should stop beating children. He added that violence against children is not perpetrating only by the teachers but from parents and work places as well. All forms of corporal punishment must be stopped immediately, he demanded. He also explained that Plan Pakistan, in collaboration with Punjab Education Foundation, has initiated to develop a pilot redressal system against corporal punishment in PEF Supported schools in Punjab as well as incorporating child rights in teachers training curricula. Mr. Raza added that apart from PEF, Plan Pakistan is also working with the provincial government of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, on ending corporal punishment from schools. In the end, participants presented various proposals for ending corporal punishment from schools.
********************
Monday, August 2, 2010
With the compliments of the
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3473/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 02:
The Punjab Education Foundation employees have donated a sum of Rs. 7 lakh in the flood relief fund of the Chief Minister Punjab set up to help and rehabilitate the flood affected people.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No: 3474/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
School education a priority area for government--- Raja Anwar
LAHORE, August 02:
The Punjab Government is spending an amount of Rs.800 million under the Accelerated Programs for Schools to improve the physical infrastructure of the Public sector schools in the less developed areas of the province.
This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education, Raja Muhammad Anwar while addressing the workshop on the topic of “Budget tracking improves transparency and service delivery” held under the aegis of Institute of Social & Policy Sciences Islamabad at a local hotel on Monday. Raja Anwar, while highlighting the salient features of Punjab Education Budget, told that the school education sector is a priority area and Punjab Government is working to provide quality education to the students. He said that reconstruction of dilapidated school building is being done with an amount of Rs. 600 million.
Raja Anwar informed the gathering that provision of funds to schools situated in the deprived localities is especially ensured. Giving the detail, he told that Rs.103 million for 39 Layyah schools, Rs.122 million for 46 Bahawalpur schools, Rs. 107 million for 41 Bahawalnagar schools, Rs. 134 million for 51 Rahim Yar Khan schools, Rs. 80 million for 30 Chiniot schools, Rs. 100 million for 43 Muzaffargarh schools, Rs. 91 million for 34 Rajan Pur schools, Rs. 115 million for 43 DG Khan schools, Rs. 130 million for 50 Vehari schools and Rs. 102 million for 39 schools situated in the District of Pakpattan are provided to make available necessary missing facilities. Government is striving to achieve the ambitious target of 100% school enrollment within the stipulated period of time, he mainatained.
The function was also addressed by Wasim Hasmi, Tareen Sadeeq, Rabia Shabeer, Arshad Malik, and representatives of school education department.
********
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab, Lahore
Ph: 99201390 No: 3473/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
LAHORE, August 02:
The Punjab Education Foundation employees have donated a sum of Rs. 7 lakh in the flood relief fund of the Chief Minister Punjab set up to help and rehabilitate the flood affected people.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No: 3474/Qudrat /Rana
HANDOUT (A)
School education a priority area for government--- Raja Anwar
LAHORE, August 02:
The Punjab Government is spending an amount of Rs.800 million under the Accelerated Programs for Schools to improve the physical infrastructure of the Public sector schools in the less developed areas of the province.
This was stated by Chairman Chief Minister’s Taskforce on Elementary Education, Raja Muhammad Anwar while addressing the workshop on the topic of “Budget tracking improves transparency and service delivery” held under the aegis of Institute of Social & Policy Sciences Islamabad at a local hotel on Monday. Raja Anwar, while highlighting the salient features of Punjab Education Budget, told that the school education sector is a priority area and Punjab Government is working to provide quality education to the students. He said that reconstruction of dilapidated school building is being done with an amount of Rs. 600 million.
Raja Anwar informed the gathering that provision of funds to schools situated in the deprived localities is especially ensured. Giving the detail, he told that Rs.103 million for 39 Layyah schools, Rs.122 million for 46 Bahawalpur schools, Rs. 107 million for 41 Bahawalnagar schools, Rs. 134 million for 51 Rahim Yar Khan schools, Rs. 80 million for 30 Chiniot schools, Rs. 100 million for 43 Muzaffargarh schools, Rs. 91 million for 34 Rajan Pur schools, Rs. 115 million for 43 DG Khan schools, Rs. 130 million for 50 Vehari schools and Rs. 102 million for 39 schools situated in the District of Pakpattan are provided to make available necessary missing facilities. Government is striving to achieve the ambitious target of 100% school enrollment within the stipulated period of time, he mainatained.
The function was also addressed by Wasim Hasmi, Tareen Sadeeq, Rabia Shabeer, Arshad Malik, and representatives of school education department.
********
Sunday, August 1, 2010
PEF sets up “Disaster Management Cell”
HANDOUT
Lahore, August 01, 2010: The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has set up a “Disaster Management Cell” at its head office in Lahore to find out the extent of any damage caused by the recent floods to its 2000 partner schools in 29 districts of the province.
PEF Spokesperson has asked the management of affected Schools to jot down the details at PEF cell numbers 0336-4509979, 0336-4509970.
*****
Lahore, August 01, 2010: The Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) has set up a “Disaster Management Cell” at its head office in Lahore to find out the extent of any damage caused by the recent floods to its 2000 partner schools in 29 districts of the province.
PEF Spokesperson has asked the management of affected Schools to jot down the details at PEF cell numbers 0336-4509979, 0336-4509970.
*****
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