Helping hand: There’s a big world out there, waiting to connect, says Giokas

Canadian high commissioner provides funds to an NGO school in Bari Imam.

ISLAMABAD:

More than 500 students of Mashal Model School, an institute for the underprivileged, were gratified when their school received a donation of Rs125,600 by the Canadian government on Thursday.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Greg Giokas, visited the non-governmental school in Bari Imam and donated the amount on behalf of his government. The school, run purely on donations and providing free education to disadvantaged kids, has been expanding rapidly, in students’ numbers as well as its premises. Beginning with a mere five kids five years ago, the school now has a strength of 536 students, with girls and boys in almost equal numbers, utilising their right to a basic education.



The high commissioner said, “The Canadian government is very enthusiastic about this cause that supports children”, adding that his government has been primarily supporting education in different parts of the country. “As a representative of the Canadian government, I can say that we see education as a great sector to work on and one whose needs we closely monitor,” he added.

The school has also received donations from the Canadian government previously. It is unconditionally supported by the diplomatic community of Islamabad which resides in the school’s vicinity.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, the school’s director Zeba Hussain said that with 88 per cent passing results this March, 20 students moved to regular government schools from here. With 21 classrooms and 31 teachers, the school educates children belonging to war-torn areas and underprivileged backgrounds.



Hussain said that previous donations from the Canadian government helped the school construct a science lab, bathrooms for the junior branch and a verandah.

She said the recent donation will help them construct more much-needed bathrooms and install fans for the senior branch. The school also provides vocational training to women, such as sewing courses, to provide them with economic independence.

Addressing the media on the occasion, Giokas said a business friendly environment needs to be established to attract foreign investment in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is full of potential, but essential resources such as electricity must be provided to the business community to create an investment-friendly environment,” said Giokas, adding that there’s a big world out there waiting to connect with Pakistan.

The ambassador congratulated Pakistan on its historic transition from one civilian government to another, saying that democracy is taking root in Pakistan and that is the key. With regard to trade talks between India and Pakistan, he said ‘closer ties and economic integration are critical to regional security and the economic future of Pakistan.

“Canada looks forward to working with the newly elected government to promote freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights, including religious freedom,” he stated further.

With regard to economic reforms, Giokas highlighted the restructuring of the power sector and increasing domestic revenue generation as critical to improving Pakistan’s economy.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2013.