Graphic novel aims to increase your chances for the future

Pakistani students, German publisher publish graphic novel on vocational training

KARACHI: A graphic novel was launched on Thursday at the FOMMA Art Centre, stressing the need for vocational training among the Pakistani youth. The coloured comic book, 'Chances for Your Future', was published by German publisher Klaus D Schleiter in Berlin.

A handful of students worked on the graphic novel in Karachi. A workshop was held from October 3 to October 7 as part of German Weeks and students were taught illustration and graphic design techniques while working on the graphic novel.

Though Schleiter was not at the launch in Karachi, his students attended the launch of their novel.



One such student, Aisha Jamal, was elated to attend the event. "It is just amazing, I can't sum up the feeling of having my very first piece of work published," she said excitedly. Jamal says she had done the background work in the graphic novel by making the car tools, engine and various other landscapes. She spoke about how she now values her art degree far more than before, as it allowed this partnership to bloom.

The story

The story revolved around Rabia, a lower-middle class girl who is interested in working on car engines, as her father owns an auto repair shop.

Rabia meets Kalim by chance and he shows his interest in renewable energy and speaks about his aim to become a windmill mechanic.

The story revolves around their friendship but stresses greatly on vocational training.

A means of change

"This is like a dream come true for me!" said German consul-general Rainer Schmiedchen. "State-to-state cooperation vis-a-vis Germany and Pakistan is addressing issues like the German style of vocational training, which holds appeal and should be fostered to allow industrialisation to grow," he said. "If you have vocational training and you are a skilled person, you can afford a very reasonable living in today's world."



Fawzia Naqvi, honorary chief executive officer of FOMMA Art Centre said, "This novel will create a lot of awareness for vocational training and is most definitely meant to target the youth of the country". Vocational training is of utmost importance, she added.

A short film by Haya Fatima Iqbal was also screened at the event, providing insight into how the novel was created.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2017.