Adhoc, daily wages teachers to be regularized soon

ISLAMABAD: Welcoming Swat deal between Pakistan government and Taliban, Education Minister Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani on Tuesday underlined that shattered schools of girls will be re-opened again after construction urging adhoc and daily wages teachers will be regularized soon.

Education Minister Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani expressed these views while talking to journalists following his participation at the inaugural session of the National Consultative Literacy Workshop organized by National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration of UNESCO and Ministry of Education in Islamabad.

The Minister welcomed the agreement between NWFP government and Malakand adding it will help greatly in restoration of peace while residents will take a sigh of relief.

The Minister said that the government will adopt a holistic approach and honor all international commitments to combat illiteracy in Swat and other areas while stressing a need for women education.

Regarding Farah Hamid Dogar case, Minister said that departmental report will unveil in next two days adding in view of court’s verdict, future strategy would be devise according to it.

Earlier while addressing in the inaugural session of the National Consultative Literacy Workshop organized by National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration of UNESCO and Ministry of Education in Islamabad, Minister said that NCHD has been given the lead role for adult literacy.

The Federal Ministry of Education will extend full support to NCHD in their efforts for eradication of illiteracy in Pakistan. I expect all provincial governments and donors to extend full support to NCHD, he pointed.

Member of National Assembly Shahnaz Wazir Ali hailed the efforts of NCHD and donor agencies to mitigate illiteracy in the country.

However she said that these programs need consistency and should be converted into a constant process. She further said that without improving the socio-economic conditions any improvement in education and literacy remains a far cry.

Maurice Robson, the Director UNESCO delivered the message on behalf of Director General UNESCO. Dr. Robson said that literacy has to be given priority in government agendas to combat all ills of society. He emphasized on making the school environment child friendly and education a joyful experience for the children attending the school.

Zulfiqar Ahmed Chief Operating Officer, NCHD said that at national level there should be a coordinating body, which could develop coordination with the province on fast track basis. NCHD being declared the lead agency in the field of literacy by Federal Ministry of Education could facilitate the Ministry of Education.

Iqbal-ur-Rehman, Director Education, NCHD who is also the program head of NCHD Literacy Program said that literacy is a matter of national security, he said that NCHD literacy program is currently based on phonetic approach and the National Literacy Program of NCHD is well received in 122 districts of Pakistan where over 120,000 Adult Literacy Centers were established and nearly 2.5 million people made literate.