The government held an award ceremony in Mingora on Friday to appreciate the services of government school teachers and recognise their students’ hard work.
The ceremony, the first of its kind, was organised by the Swat District Education Department, in collaboration with Sarhad Rural Support Programme and Human Resource Development Society.
“I can’t believe I have received a shield and cash prize from the education department. Receiving a prize before such a huge crowd is such a great experience,” said Bushra, a position holder of matriculation from Saidu Sharif Board.
Irfan, a student from Khwaza Khela Tehsil who topped his matriculation exams, said, “The students of government schools are often considered to be inferior. However, this year we have secured top positions in the board and proved that we are not behind anyone.”
Teachers and officials of education department said that singers, actors and other professionals are often awarded with prizes, but there were no such awards in Swat to recognise the hard work of schoolteachers before this.
“The hard work of teachers should also be appreciated as they play a vital role in building the nation,” said Executive District Officer Education Sultan Mahmood.
Giving example of the state era, he said that the Wali of Swat used to present certificates with his signature to encourage teachers.
“We request our authorities to start recognising the teachers’ efforts for the betterment of the community,” he added.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Director Sarwat Jahan, chairing the ceremony, appreciated the education department for organising the ceremony.
“It is a pleasure to see that a gathering has been organised to pay tribute to teachers, which clearly gives a signal to the terrorists that the people of Swat love education,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2011.
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