Harnessing culture for education

Children’s Folklore Society to be established in three schools for better promotion of culture through education.

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage also known as Lok Virsa has decided to establish Children’s Folklore Society in three schools of Chitral and Kalash valley for better promotion of culture through education.

The society has been established in Government Girls High School in Booni, Government Centennial Boys Model High School in Chitral and Government High School Bombourat in Kalash in collaboration with Anjuman-e-Taraqi Khuwar, a local NGO under Joint Institutional Cooperation between Pakistan and Norway, says a press release issued by Lok Virsa on Tuesday.

In his message on the occasion, Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani said, “This effort on part of Lok Visa has great potential to serve the youth, particularly school children at the grass root level.” The minister further stated that, “This initiative will enable children to understand culture and folklore of other provinces, regions and areas within the country.”

In a statement, the Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan Robert Kvile said that culture is Norway’s priority and his government would continue to support Pakistan for promoting and strengthening cultural heritage.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid said, “The society aims to create awareness among young generation, particularly school going children, about our indigenous treasures such as folklore, rituals and customs.” He added that this will also perpetuate the values of our culture and promote peace, love, harmony and tolerance among children.

Talking about the project’s benefits, Lok Virsa chief said that this society will bring equality to children of all back-grounds by provision of school bags, books, note books, painting materials and other stationery items. Lok Virsa has promised financial support for study tours.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2010.