Lahore,Aug 31: Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman graced the launch event of the Literate Cholistan Project 2, a pioneering initiative by the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) to illuminate the path of knowledge in underserved regions. Held at the Governor House, the ceremony saw the presence of esteemed figures including Secretary School Education Punjab Muhammad Ahsan Waheed, Managing Director Punjab Education Foundation Manzar Javed Ali, and Vice Chancellor University of Education, Talat Naseer Pasha. In his address, Governor Balighur Rehman emphasized the transformative power of education and the crucial role played by PEF in bridging educational gaps through innovative public-private partnerships.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between education and ethical upbringing, Governor Balighur Rehman underscored the importance of instilling moral values in the youth. He urged the cultivation of critical thinking and research skills, cautioning against the uncritical consumption of information, especially on social media. Expressing concern over the decline of research within the Muslim community, he called for collective efforts to uplift the education sector, reminiscing about a time when Muslims excelled in various fields worldwide. The Governor stressed that investing in the education and training of children and youth remains the most promising investment for societal progress.
Governor Balighur Rehman lauded the remarkable work of Punjab Education Foundation, particularly its efforts in bringing education to remote corners. He advocated for increased funding and stipends for children under PEF's purview, reflecting on the organization's fruitful period from 2008 to 2018 and the subsequent challenges it faced. The Governor lamented the post-2018 rise in out-of-school children, attributing it to stalled welfare projects, but expressed optimism about PEF's role in offering equitable educational opportunities to underprivileged students. His joy was palpable as he celebrated PEF's expansion into the Cholistan region, affirming its potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of disadvantaged children.
Managing Director Manzar Javed Ali shed light on PEF's significant contributions, educating over 9,000 children through Cholistan Community Schools and Cholistan Mobile Schools. He revealed plans to open 113 additional schools across Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan Districts. Governor Balighur Rehman distributed partnership agreements to school owners, expressing confidence in their vital role in augmenting education delivery in collaboration with the Punjab government. The Governor encouraged further promotion of positive societal initiatives on social media, urging the highlighting of constructive work to inspire and engage the youth effectively. APP