‘Joint efforts against illiteracy needed’

RAWALPINDI:

Collective efforts are needed against illiteracy to take the country out of the current morass.

This was the consensus among speakers at a gathering, arranged by the Express Media Group under its Aao Parhao campaign, at the Government Postgraduate College Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi on Friday.

A number of students, parents and teachers lent their support to the campaign which has the tagline, Jo seekha hai sab ko sikhao (teach others what you have learnt).

The campaign’s project director, Mohsin Laghari, termed the students’ and teachers’ quest for reading and writing a good sign and the first step towards real success.

“Express Media Group has been striving to highlight the importance of teachers in our society as they play a positive role in the character building of students,” he said.

Dr Raja Amir Hanif, a visually impaired professor, said illiteracy is the reason behind intolerance, extremism and the nation’s moral downfall.

“Quality and uniform education is the only cure for the ills that have plagued our nation for decades,” he said.

Dr Hanif also suggested engaging students in extracurricular activities. “A healthy body is a must for a healthy mind, which itself comes through healthy activities,” he said.

Dr Hanif was among 15 teachers who were given souvenirs for their hard work.

Professor Ghazanfar Mehmood Bhatti, the chief guest, said everyone should play their role to encourage and convince parents to send their out-of-school children to school.

“I believe that the secret to success lies in learning, as I know if I stop learning, I would get old,” he said while urging teachers and students to extend their help to those who cannot get education due to poverty or any other reason.

Rawalpindi Colleges Director Professor Humayun Iqbal said the current situation should not dent our resolve. “Our enemies want to push us into the darkness of illiteracy, but they will not succeed,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2015.